Patricia Frances Tvrdy

Patricia "Patty" Frances Tvrdy, daughter of Ardell and Janice Eiben, was born on May 20, 1960, in Omaha, Nebraska. She passed away at her home in Pineville, North Carolina, on July 10, 2026, at the age of 66.

Patty was the sixth of eight children in a close-knit Catholic family. Growing up, she was a true tomboy who loved getting dirty, racing the neighborhood boys, and playing volleyball. During high school, she worked part-time at Russell Stover Candies, where she developed a lifelong love of assorted chocolates—a sweet tooth that never faded.

A few years after graduating, Patty could often be found proudly showing off her burgundy 1980 Camaro. Randy Tvrdy drove a black 1967 Camaro, and after being introduced by a mutual friend, the two quickly fell in love. They were married in 1983, and together they welcomed the two greatest joys of Patty's life—their children, Jessie and Lucas.

Patty's career reflected her remarkable versatility, determination, and unwavering work ethic. Whether she was providing bookkeeping and administrative support at Telephone Connection, building and operating P&R Trucking alongside her family, serving clients through Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), or supporting personnel at Emerson Processing, Patty mastered every role she took on. Her reliability, intelligence, and dedication earned the respect of everyone who worked with her.

In 2006, Patty embraced a new chapter by moving from Iowa to Pineville, North Carolina—a courageous step that took her far from the family and community she had always known. Following her divorce in 2007, she focused on rebuilding her life with resilience, independence, and strength.

Patty found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved baking, especially because she had an undeniable sweet tooth, spending time with her children and grandchildren, tending to her garden, watching thunderstorms roll in, admiring beautiful sunsets, and celebrating the magic of Christmas movies. She had a special fondness for emeralds, loved receiving cards in the mail, good music, and the freedom of riding a motorcycle. Most of all, Patty was unapologetically herself. She had a quick wit, an infectious sense of humor, a talent for sarcasm, and never hesitated to tell an inappropriate joke if it made someone laugh. Those who knew and loved her will remember her authenticity, her strength, and the joy she brought to every room she entered.

Preceding her in death were her parents, sisters, Nancy Eiben, Bobbie Mixon, Mary Sanny, and nephew Jimmy Zavodney. Survivors include her children, Jessie Kenny, Lucas Tvrdy. Daughter-in-law Dawn Tvrdy. Grandchildren Emmie Kenny, Suezy Conyers, James Odle, Alexander Tvrdy and Fraya Tvrdy, siblings, Sandy Turley, Karen Brunghardt, Tim Eiben, and Laure O’Doherty, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home. The family will direct memorials.