This year's makeover winner is quite a deserving mother. For more than 30 years, she's been a mother hen, watching over her chicks on the school bus. Patricia Stroik begins her morning bus route at 6:30 a.m. sharp. She's seen countless students come and go but she isn't ready to quit her job although she's over retirement age. Patricia is well known by the kids on the bus because many of their parents rode along with her. The students affectionately call her "Patsy".
Once the kids are safely off to school, Patricia unwinds with the other bus drivers at the local coffee shop. She gladly passes along advice to her longtime co-worker and friend, Sandy Lewis.
"She feels like my second mom so I call her Ma," says Lewis, "we have breakfast every day and compare our stories".
Most of the stories center on family. Patricia's got a big one with 11 children, 26 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Patricia and her husband, Ray, also care for her 94-year-old mother, Bernice in their home.
Her children say Patricia was a strict but caring influence in their lives.
"I try to teach my kids you have to work hard for everything you want," says daughter Monica Abt, "that's what she instilled in us".
Patricia's son, Joe is the Police Chief in Marshfield. He's the one who decided to submit his mother for the makeover contest.
"She is truly amazing and deserves it," he says.
Stroik was whisked away by an American Elite limousine for a day of beauty treatment. She received a paraffin wax dip for her hands, manicure, cut, color, style and makeup, courtesy of Victoria's Salon in Schofield. She loved the results and so did her daughters who went along. The finished look was slightly lighter and softer than her previous style. Tune in Friday night at 5 to see for yourself!
