Patricia “Pat” Blassie, 81, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on November 11, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 31, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late John and Helen Stech. Pat was a woman of remarkable character, known for her unwavering love, strength, and grace. Her presence brought warmth and comfort to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
For over four decades, Patricia served as the esteemed President and Owner of Altair Travel and Cruises. Her dedication and unwavering commitment to her work were evident in the lasting relationships she built with her Altair Travel Family. Pat’s legacy in the travel industry will forever be cherished.
In her leisure time, Pat found solace on the golf course and in exploring new destinations. Her passion for travel extended beyond her career, allowing her to create cherished memories with her loved ones and friends. Pat adored each and every friendship she had.
Patricia is survived by her beloved daughter, Angie Markway, and son-in-law, Nathan Markway. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Haylye and Joseph Lux, Kyle Markway, and Macy Markway. Pat also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Gerald Wentzel, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen Stech, her sister, Joan Wentzel, and her brothers, John and Marty Stech.
SERVICES: Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on November 19, 2023, from 3pm to 7pm at Kutis Funeral Home, located at 10151 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123. A traditional Funeral Mass will be held on November 20, 2023, at 10am at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, located at 4900 Ringer Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129.
In honor of Pat’s memory and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to St. Louis Crisis Nursery and the Bayless High School Pat Stech Blassie Scholarship. Checks payable to Bayless High School Alumni Association with a notation for the Pat Stech Blassie Scholarship (4532 Weber Road St. Louis, MO 63123).
Pat is an ICON in the Travel Industry.. She was an amazing Person to be admired for her Contribution to our Industry. I learned so much from her and through the years and feel so blessed to have known her.
She will truly be missed by so many..
Sending my Condolences to her Family.
Pat was an amazing human being. I was privileged to know Pat for 60 years. She was the best friend that anyone could ask for. She will be so missed and by so many and for so many reasons.
I meet Pat on a Cardinal cruise and she was so kind and “down to earth” in her interactions with people. We discussed the books we’ve read and on how we always had a book with us. She was truly a beautiful person.
Pat was such an amazing business woman and role model to those of us who had the privilege of working with her and spending time with her. She will be missed more than words can express. xo
I wasn’t too keen when Pat sent us to Somalia for a “beach” getaway. (Okay, THAT never happened). However, we took many a trip through Pat and Altair Travel, including our honeymoon to Barbados. I can still hear Pat’s calming and friendly voice as if she was sitting here with me now. She was a beacon within the travel industry and to say that she’ll be terribly missed is an enormous understatement.
Thank you, Pat, for your years of service, your professionalism, friendship, and laughs. You leave a rich and wonderful legacy.
Pat was my son’s grandma in law. We were not only elated for our son to marry Haylye and become part of the Markway family but to be blessed with “Mamaw” in his life. She was a loving , caring, bright light in our lives.
We will forever miss her.
I always enjoyed hearing her on the McGraw show. You could tell she loved life and especially her family. My condolences.
What a wonderful woman and incredible human being Pat was. She was truly a source of inspiration for so many, in the way she conducted her life with kindness, grace and fairness to all. She sincerely cared for all those who worked for her and those for whom she felt privileged to serve. There will never be another like Pat. She was surely one of a kind. God bless Pat and all of her family and friends whose hearts are broken by her passing.
So very sorry to hear this
Worked with Pat many years ago at Insurance Consultants in Olivette where she was Secretary to Lee Kling
A very beautiful and caring lady 💝it was a great company to work for and a wonderful time in our life💝
Pat was an icon in the Travel Industry not because of the thousands of trips she and the dedicated Staff of Altair booked, but because of the friendship they all made across the globe. She cared about doing it right, for she wanted the clients to always have a great experience. She was a wonderful ambassador for the World Bird Sanctuary in so many ways. A true Lady. God Bless the Family and the wonderful staff of Altair.
Tom Rollins
I loved listening to Pat when she was on the McGraw show. I would drop what I was doing, just to listen to her talk. There was no doubt that she loved her family and she loved her job! I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but certainly wish I would have. My deepest sympathy to all who knew her.
Pat was not only a remarkable lady but also a guiding light within our industry. From the moment I entered the Altair office , not knowing much about the cruise industry, she took me under her wing, offering her time and wisdom without hesitation. Pat showed kindness and genuine care for every person in the travel community and has left an impression that will not be forgotten. Pat, you will truly be missed!
Thinking of the entire Altair Family.
We met Pat on our first Cardinals cruise and loved her since the moment we met her. What an awesome lady. She will be missed so much. Our prayers go out to Pat’s family and friends.
Hello my name is Ranata, I worked for Ms Pat I was 1 out of 5 women that took care of her. I really want to thank the family for allowing us to work for them, I really appreciate Ms Pat , she was a nice person, to us all who worked for her , she gave us advice, love ,and she was caring person, she was a honest person also , she was a caring person and she loved everybody who worked for her ,when I came to work for the family, me and the family got close , Ms Pat ask me to make a banana pudding and I did for her granddaughter birthday, and they loved it, and I loved the fact that they where nice people to be around , so I meet Angie and me and her got close as sisters we share the same birthday month and we think alike🤔so I want to say they are my family no matter what I’m here for them , and you all are stuck with me forever. I thank you all for bringing me back to be with Ms.Pat, so Ms. Pat I’m still your angel , love you all Ranata, you got your wings 🫶🏾love you❤️ I got you sister (Angie)
Pat was an amazing Woman! I had the great fortune to work with her for only a few years at Altair, but in that time I learned so much, and had so much fun.
She truly was a great leader and role model. A beautiful, classy lady with a real zest for life. I always admired her.