Patricia Kopta, a Pennsylvanian who went missing over 30 years ago and was assumed dead by her family, was recently discovered residing at a nursing home in Puerto Rico.
The 83-year-old woman was last seen in Pittsburgh in 1992, according to the missing person flyer distributed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Response Center, CNN said.
Her husband Bob Kopta stated during a press conference that he reported his wife missing months later in the fall because she frequently “dropped out of sight for short intervals.”
Patricia’s family acknowledged that they were aware she had dementia, a mental health issue
Patricia’s family acknowledged that they were aware she had dementia, a mental health issue.
She was a well-known street preacher in Pittsburg who would approach strangers and claim to have seen the Virgin Mary and that the world was coming to an end.
She even repeatedly told her family that she was leaving and that she was worried about being sent to a care home in Puerto Rico.
Patricia frequently discussed moving to Puerto Rico to live in a tropical setting, according to even her husband.
According to police officials, Patricia was initially brought to their attention when an INTERPOL agent and a social worker called them last year to report seeing her residing in an elderly care facility.
“What they reported to us was that she came into care in 1999, when she was found in need on the streets of Puerto Rico,” said Ross Township Deputy Brian Kohlhepp. Patricia, he continued, would not talk about her personal life or her origins.
Smith said, “we really thought she was dead all those years.” She added that she called the adult care home several times but couldn’t converse because of her sister’s mental health condition.
“We didn’t expect it. It was a very big shock to see – to know that she’s still alive,” Smith added. “You know, we’re so happy and I hope I can get down to see her.”