Agnes “Pat” Paist, 101, of Emmaus, died April 10, 2022, at home with family present. She was the wife of the late Dr. Wistar Paist. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Roderick Troxell and Hattie Best (Shiffert) and the stepdaughter of the late Earl Best.

In 1941, she graduated from Allentown Hospital School of Nursing as a registered nurse.

Prompted by the December 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, she entered the United States Army Nurse Corps in May 1942. She was stationed in Papua-New Guinea and the Philippines and sailed on the first hospital ship between them. For her World War II service, she was awarded three Bronze Stars and honorably discharged in July 1946.

After the war she enrolled in Cedar Crest College and then transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, where she became an instructor and earned with distinction a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in 1950.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, life member of the Macungie VFW, charter member of the Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., patron of the Emmaus Public Library, member of the Mark Twain Club, member of the Woman’s Club of Emmaus (president 1968-1970, performed in two musicals to fund scholarships), member of the Allentown Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association and at various times, a member of several bowling leagues, the American Association of University Women, bridge clubs and PTAs (former president).

She enjoyed traveling with her family. She and her husband attended many Elderhostel retreats, Army hospital reunions and dental association conventions. She read voraciously and possessed creative talents: piano playing, sewing, knitting, baking and artwork.

She is survived by a daughter, Debra (retired ALJ); a son, Dr. Wistar Jr. (retired dentist) and his wife, Linda; a granddaughter, Alison.

Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 W. Tilghman St., Allentown, 18104 or to the Emmaus Public Library, 11 E. Main St., Emmaus, 18049.

Services are private. Arrangements were made by the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, Emmaus.