Patricia Ann Earle Stebbing
July 8, 1944 ~ January 29, 2005
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Tricia entered the spiritual world on January 29, 2005. Her family and friends grieve their loss, but welcome her release from the pain of lung cancer.
Tricia loved animals and felt closest to God in nature. She saw the hand of God in all creation and was dedicated to peace, especially ending violence toward animals. In this cause, she long since ceased to eat meat of any kind and was rewarded with a hearty delight in the taste of vegetarian food. One of her passions was caring for her dogs.
For a while, she practiced pet therapy by taking her dogs to visit the sick and elderly.
After working for a time at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and at Taylor Manor Hospital in Columbia, MD, Tricia became a yoga teacher and Phoenix Rising yoga therapist. In Columbia, MD, she founded the Blissful Dog Yoga Studio, named after her beloved dog Katie, who attended her yoga classes and rolled over into blissful sleep, belly up, when the class atmosphere became peaceful.
All her life Tricia loved to sing and in recent years she began lessons on the piano and hammered dulcimer. She painted with an exquisite sense of color that carried into decorating her home. Some of her happiest times were painting, or making music, with her family and friends. Another passion, developed later in life, was gardening. Her garden in Columbia was a delight for the neighborhood, and in Asheville she was in the midst of creating a living work of art.
Tricia was beautiful in appearance and spirit. Her radiance and openness helped her gain many honors at Lee H. Edwards (now Asheville) High, class of 1962, and to continue developing lasting friendships throughout life. During her many years in the Washington, D.C. area, she never lost her love for her native Asheville, and finally returned with her husband, David, in 2003, for too short a time.
Tricia leaves behind her husband, David Stebbing; her mother Martha Alice Earle; her sister Betty Walton; sister-in-law Barbara Earle; nephews Daniel Earle, Todd Walton, and Jason Walton, and many friends for whom she held deep affection.
A celebration of Tricia’s life will be held at Jubilee at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 12, 2005.
For friends who wish to give gifts in her memory, Tricia suggests Mountain Area Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813, or any non-profit devoted to the protection and care of animals, such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), 102 Front Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.
Remember Tricia, when you hug a puppy.
Mrs Earle and Family,
I was so saddened by the news of Pat’s passing. We were neighbors during our growing up years in Asheville. Pat would walk home with me from the bus stop most days after school. I knew then, that she was a very special person. I always looked up to her since she older than I was. I will always remember her radiant smile and bubbly personality. I regret not knowing Pat as an adult. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.
Lari Brody Cote
I was saddened to hear from Jerry Warren of Pat’s passing. I remember her sparkle and kindness. Please accept my cndolences and know she will be fondly remembered.
I bless the day I walked into the Blissful Dog Studio and into Tricia’s light and love. She made me and others feel so special. Tricia was a wonderful example of Love in Action on this planet and I am positive her light and love continues to burn brightly. I will always be grateful.
Betty, I am so very sorry to learn
this. Pat was one of my Brightess
pieces of sunshine growing up in Asheville…I always have, and will continue to remember her this way.
Please take care,
Betty, I am so very sorry to learn
this. Pat was one of my Brightest
pieces of sunshine growing up in Asheville…I always have, and will continue to remember her this way.
Please take care,
Dear David and all of Tricia’s family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Tricia’s death. She brought so much joy to everyone she touched, and I hope it comforts you to know that she will be remembered by all with much love. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tricia’s light and love is always with us. As is her deep sense of caring and fantastic sense of humor. She’s on to her ‘next place’.
In my mind, I see Pat as lovely, sweet, and friendly and these are the memories I want to keep.
Dear Betty and members of the Earle Family,
I am saddened this day, March 20, 2005, to learn of Pat’s passing. I will always remember the first time I ever met Pat and Betty. The two of them were 7 and 10 years old respectively and I was 11 years old.They were playing in the creek behind their Grandfather’s old log cabin on Webb Cove Road in the Beaverdam Community where I was born and raised. I thought the two of them were as pretty as angels and I fell in love with Betty the moment I saw her. Also, reading about Pat’s love for animals reminds me of the little sorrell ponies she and Betty rode at the farm. Topper and Flica were the ponies names.
I too learned today of John’s passing and I wish peace and happiness for the extended Earle Family.
Rex Redmon,
Greenville, SC
Redhrex13@aol.com
I was so sorry to hear of your great loss. I have wonderful memories of Pat and regret that I didn’t see her in her last years. I wish you love and loving memories of a truly happy person. Joyce Lichtenfels
Mrs. Earle and Betty:
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I am sorry to say that I was not aware that Pat was back in Asheville or I would have made certain that I had contact with her. As you know, our families go way back together, and Pat was always a part of my ‘growing-up’ days.
You may or may not recall that my wife, Jan and I got our first dog from her – an English Shepherd – that was one of Molly’s puppies. Pat sent ‘Sam’ to us on an airplane from Memphis to Atlanta – when I was training pilots in the Navy. Sam lived almost 14 years and still holds a very special place in our hearts, even though we have had many dogs since.
May God give you and your family the strength to survive this terrible blow, and may He give Pat the peace and serenity she so richly deserves.
Love to you all.
I was in Pat’s class of 1962 at Lee Edwards – we were close friends, however, lost contact after graduation. She was so much fun to be with – full of personality and everyone loved her. I send my heartfelt condolences to all her family – I am also a lover of animals and nature. May she rest in peace.
So sorry for the lost of Pat. But remenbering her makes us feel so happy because there are so many wonderful and fun memories from Lee Edwards HS
Love from Richie and Trudy Spake
I knew Pat from first grade on. I talked about her with my elementary students. Pat knew how to make everyone around her feel special. She was a warm loving gentle person who could light up a room. It took me years to figure out that she was truly interested in you as a person. That is what made her popular in school and loved by people everywhere. I wish I had known her better. She was truly a very special person. Carole Clark Williford
It was my distinct pleasure to help in caring for Trisha, on a Sat. at St. Joe’s, when she had a permanent epidural placed. What a joy she was to me. I so enjoyed meeting her and Betty! They brought joy and light to us. What a wonderful tribute her obituary is. I wish that I had known her longer. May God bless you, strengthen you and hold you in His loving arms as you go through this.
In His Care,
Gretchen Wirtz,RN
Dear Betty and family,
If ever there were a true example of that old adage ‘one picture is worth a thousand words’ it is this picture of Pat. Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing Pat in her adult years, I cetainly have etchings in the corners of my mind of the fifties and all the connections that we shared. But, the picture and the memorial bespeak the presence that she had here on Earth.
Amen.
Pippa Clarke Dolen
From high school to days in Washington D. C., Pat and I shared many happy moments. She was able on two occasions to visit us here in Texas. I shall always remember her sense of humor and, of course, her love of animals. The twinkle in her eye brought joy to many. She shall long be remembered.
To her family, I send my sincere condolences.
Tricia’s laughter, spirit, and joy of life continue to echo in my house in Lewes, DE where she lead many yoga retreats. She was a blessing to me and to those women she taught. Gentle, compassionate, and lots of fun, Tricia will be missed. With love, Goodbye.
I wish I had know Tricia longer……..but in that short time, she changed my life
Tricia exemplified for me the power of love, acceptance, and humility. When we inherited an abused and sick cocker spaniel, she encouraged me to keep him and to persevere through his rehabilitation. Today he is a healthy, loving tribute to her compassion. I will always miss her, and send deepest sympathy to all who loved her.
Dearest David and family,
As Tricia would sing….’May the long time sun shine upon you. All love surround you. And the pure light within you, guide your way on’. May we all be guided toward understanding and acceptance of this tragic loss. All of us who were blessed enough to be in Tricia’s radiant presence, whether it was for a few minutes or for many years, will carry her light on within in us forever. Much love to you all.
Pat and I grew up together in Asheville and what a wonderful person she was always full of life and anyone that touched her life had a special experience. I reunited with her this summer and we took some walks together, bought some flowers for her yard and did some yoga-what a special time but too short. My prayers and thoughts go out to you David and to her family but rememeber the wonderful memories she left with us. My love, Sandy
Tricia will always be a light in my life and a loving inspiration. It is with humble thankfulness that I knew her. My deepest sympathy goes to all of Tricia’s family, and especially to David.
Tricia was such an amazing source of light and love, and I feel so blessed that I got to know her, however briefly. My prayers are with David, and all of her family and friends.
Tricia has been a joyful presence in my life since the day we met in her yoga studio in Columbia, MD. She gave me the greatest gift of my life by introducing me to Svaroopa Yoga — which has become my life’s passion. I felt so connected to her spirit during her life and I still feel the connection today. I truly love her gracious, loving, open heart and spirit. A most amazing person!
Dave & other loved ones –
Though we met Patricia just once, at her & David’s happy wedding, we were struck by the vibrant vitality radiating from her life, & the beautiful warmth & goodness she brought to Dave & everyone around her. We sorrow with you & pray the Lord to lift you up with comfort & confidence in His strength and wisdom. He promises eternal life with a healthy spiritual body that expresses the soul. You will be with her again. Our love to you all – Dan & Ruth
Love and Sympathy for Martha Alice and the rest of the family
David and Betty – we are thinking of you. We will be in touch.
Much love,
Jack and Dorothy
Our sincerest sympathies go out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
The staff of Bayada Nurses
Will miss her cheerful spirit in this world, but rejoice for her presence in the spiritual world.
I haven’t been in contact with Tricia or the Blissful Dog Yoga studio for quite some time. The last time I had attended a session, Tricia had announced her intended move to Asheville and that some of her colleagues were continuing the Svaroopa practice. Today, I thought I’d search the web for that information – the search results included Tricia’s obituary and I was heartbroken. She introduced me to yoga and nurtured me through my first few stressful years post pregnancies. Her sessions were my oasis and her style I realize now was so rare – caring, support, and a spiritual element that was a transformation in my life. Thank you Tricia for (I truly believe) sending your energy to me – I will honor you and return to my yoga practice – I promise! Love and peace to you now,
Sue Phipps
has been 40 years but still can recall that wonderful smile and perky personality…. she was adored by all and heaven is blessed to have her
has been 40 years but still can recall that wonderful smile and perky personality…. she was adored by all and heaven is blessed to have her
Betty, I am so saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. As you may remember, Pat was my first ‘true love’ in the 8th grade. I still have her school picture in my album. Again, I’m so sorry.
Jerry Warren
I am so sad for your loss. I went to high school with Pat and always admired her.
I always remember the wonderful things we did together with my sister Sandy and Pat. My love to the family. And she will certainly be missed by our family, along with all her other friends.
Damnit Tricia: I’m pissed!
Thank you for the gift of love and permission you gave me of allowing me to be myself, to express myself – no matter what that expression might be. You DID say ‘it’s ok to be pissed.’
David: I loved you and Trish together – you two being ‘THE’ example of the supreme loving partnership to which I’ve set my standards. I share the grief and sorrow of missing the physical presence of Trish, I also share the exhilaration and sweetness of her spirit being in a place of peace and beauty. I’m jealous that now she can talk with my Aunt Nancy, whom Trish met, who also passed on from cancer.
Katie: thank you for showing me your love by sharing Trish with me.
Jake: stay off the coffee table – you are not a decoration. Trish is watching, you know!
Namaste.
Karin