Pat Hawkins (87) of Taylorville, formerly of Effingham

Pat A. Hawkins, 87 of Taylorville, formerly of Effingham, died peacefully with family members beside her after a short illness on Friday, May 26, 2023.  

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with visitation being held from 11:00 am to the time of service. Following the funeral service, Pat will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. 

Pat was born March 13, 1936 in Joliet, the daughter of John “Jack” and Dorothy (Mandel) Niner. She started as a salesperson for the Fuller Brush company in Joliet, where she quickly rose to regional manager. Pat continued working for Fuller Brush as she moved to Mattoon, Oakland, and then to Effingham. 

While in Mattoon she earned an associate’s degree from Lakeland College followed by a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University. Pat was elected the East Oakland Township Supervisor, where she established a food bank for the community. In 2017, Pat moved to Taylorville.

Pat was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham. Her favorite saint was St. Francis because of his love for animals.  She lived her life taking care of her children, grandchildren, and her parents later in their lives. Pat's favorite color was green. She loved arts and crafts, owls, dogs, and her many house plants. 

Pat raised three children with her former husband, Bernard Kuhajda, Sr., who preceded her in death. Her children are Debbie (Matt) Daniels of Palmer, Bernie “Binky” (Melissa Carter) Kuhajda, of Chattanooga, TN, and John Joseph “J.J.” Kuhajda of Dieterich; grandchildren, Melissa M. Kuhajda and Johnny Kuhajda (children of Judy Holmes) both of Effingham; great-grandchildren, Hunter Kuhajda and Silas Kuhajda; sister, Ginger (Danny) Lundeen and brother, J. Michael Niner, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Joy (Gene) Gassensmith.