Patricia E. Chizmar

Patricia (Pat) E. Chizmar, long time Bel Air resident who spent almost her entire working career employed at bygone businesses along the town’s Main Street, passed away March 18 at her Brooks Road home with family at her bedside. She was 85 years old.

Thirteen years ago, Pat was diagnosed with cancer. She fought it, and until just recently there was a recurrence to which she succumbed.

The daughter of the late Gilbert and Helen (Gagalski) Hellman, Pat was born in Baltimore. She attended St. Elizabeth’s School and The Catholic High School of Baltimore. In the mid-sixties she moved to Bel Air and for more than four decades was employed by various iconic Main Street businesses including The Hub Clothing Store, the Hub Annex, Commercial Savings Bank, Bel Air Country Store and Pamella & Rose Furnishings.

“She continued to keep busy in her retirement,” said her daughter, Karen Chizmar. “She was a great decorator; her home and gardens reflected that.” Pat’s home has been cited by the Bel Air Appearance & Beautification Committee with its annual Residence Award given to a homeowner who enhances and “beautifies their home.” 

Pat was an avid and knowledgeable Baltimore Orioles fan but her personal sport was bowling. Over a 30-year career as a kegler she earned memberships in the 500 and 600 clubs at both the Bel Air Bowl and Forest Hill Lanes.

There were serendipitous moments in Pat’s life, highlighted by a prize flounder she caught that won her regional recognition. “We were fishing as a family in this little runabout in Tom’s Cove off Chincoteague when she catches this big flounder,” Karen recalled. “At the end of the year in the mail comes this mounted citation from the state of Virginia for catching the largest flounder of the year. It was hilarious.”

Among Pat’s other activities she hosted Pokeno club card parties and enjoyed traveling with family members to the Caribbean where trips to the penny slots earned her numerous financial windfalls. A member of St. Margaret Parish, Bush River Yacht Club and the Bel Air town Board of Elections, she was active in the American Legion Auxiliary

Pat is survived by children Karen and Steve Chizmar, Lisa Sparr, Dr. Paul and Cheryl Chizmar; grandchildren Dr.Timothy and Naomi Chizmar, Ashley Chizmar, Maggie Chizmar, Eric and Lauren Chizmar, Benjamin and Hayley Sparr, Kate Chizmar, Luke Sparr, Jacob Sparr, Owen Sparr; great grandchildren Natalie and Julia Chizmar, and her sister, Sharon Shelton and her husband Patrick, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Pat was predeceased by her husband Theodore (Ted) Chizmar and her brother Gilbert Hellman.

In lieu of flowers should friends desire memorial contributions may be sent to The Rockfield Manor Foundation for construction of a garden in memory of Pat. Donations can be accepted online. www.rockfieldmanor.com/donate or mailed to Rockfield Manor, 501 Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014.