Patricia "Pat" Hess Cord

Patricia “Pat” Hess Cord peacefully passed away on August 2, 2025, while surrounded by family. She was born October 4, 1942 in Queens, NY to William and Elizabeth Hess. She grew up in the Long Island area; alongside her twin sister, Barbara Ann “Babs.” She excelled academically, with a fondness for math and science. After graduating high school with honors, she attended nursing school in Long Island, New York, where she met the love of her life, Darl E. Cord. They married in 1962 and celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary before his passing in 2024. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Darl Edward and Elizabeth Colette. As a dedicated military family, they moved a lot, both stateside and abroad, which included assignments in Oklahoma, South Dakota, Japan, and Germany.

The family eventually found their way to Wichita (Darl’s hometown) where Pat obtained her Masters degree in Art Education from Wichita State University. She was an art teacher in USD 259 for many years and she also taught classes at Wichita State. Darl and Pat were actively involved in the community and supported numerous organizations including Music Theatre of Wichita, Wichita Art Museum, Sedgwick County Zoo, and Old Cowtown Museum. They loved the zoo, often spending entire days there, and Pat was a walking encyclopedia of the zoo’s history and animals within. They were also the proud parents of numerous “Westies” over the years which were arguably more spoiled than their own children.

Pat was extremely devoted to her Catholic faith. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for more than 30 years wherein she faithfully served in numerous volunteer positions. Pat upheld her faith by generously supporting a large number of charities, both locally and abroad. She also supported Darl’s faith through countless hours of volunteering at Ahavath Achim Hebrew Congregation, in Wichita. Pat wasn’t one to waste a minute of time. In addition to maintaining a beautiful, meticulous home, Pat had a passion for reading (primarily history related topics) and she also enjoyed fiber art and crocheting. One of her purest joys was sending thoughtful, handwritten cards and letters to loved ones…and just about anyone else she ever met. Ultimately, Pat lived a life of devotion, positively impacting countless lives through her faith, generosity, and unbounded kindness. Pat is survived by her son, Darl (Debora) Cord of Wiesbaden, Germany; daughter, Elizabeth (Blane) Barker of Wichita; her sister, Babs DeCillis, of Eustis, Florida; and sister-in-law, Charlotte Green, of Waianae, Hawaii.

Visitation will be from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Rosary will be at 9:30 am, Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212.