Patricia Ann Heit

Patricia Ann Lois Thesing, born and raised in Lorain, Ohio; later to take the married name, Patricia Ann Heit. Patricia was a woman of committed vocational service. A mother and a wife; a singer and a dancer; and a nurse with undying passion. She was a devout Catholic who began as early as 10 years of age singig her praises to the Lord in choir after choir, well into the age of 91. Patricia, early on, had ambitions of being a nurse in the military, having fallen in love with a man by the name of Lawrence H. Heit; who presented a strong figure as a second lieutenant in uniform. Together, though, the two of them thought being of public service, Patricia a registered nurse and Lawrence a civil engineer, was more aligned with their faith and their mutual desire to contribute to their community. They married in 1956 at Saint Joseph’s church in Lorain, Ohio. Pat and Larry had three sons, Gregory (born 1960, now 18 years with partner Marah Addleson); Christopher (1963 - 2020, 35 years with partner Joe Zimmer); and Matthew (born 1964, 42 years with partner Carla Schmidt). Patricia and her brother, Douglas Thesing, the two youngest of a family of seven, survived their kin to the stature of matriarch and patriarch of their clan. (Patricia and Doug’s mother, Agnes (Nan) Cameron, is credited with sailing alone across the ocean straight from Scotland, in her early twenties, to start a family in America with their father, John Thesing, John having roots in Holland.) Patricia had two older sisters, Joanne and Rosemary, who both married, having large families of their own. Joanne married Dulio Imbrogno, having six children; Rosemary marrying Fredrick Ritenaur and having seven. Patricia’s older brother, John David was a navy man and led a life of a singular purpose. Douglas, Patricia’s surviving youngest sibling and businessman, married Maureen Carlin and had three children to round out the clan. 

The many members of Patricia’s extended family have demonstrated a singular love for their Aunt Pat, escorting her to many of their gatherings, and embracing her with endearing affection.

As a child, Patricia enjoyed softball and in her own words, “I was a terrible catcher, but a great hitter.” In 1954, Patricia attended Saint Elizabeth Nursing School where she made many friendships with kindred spirits dedicated to service. While Larry studied civil engineering at Purdue University, Pat worked as a head nurse and supervisor on the pediatric floor of the local hospital. In 1972, her now family of five, settled in Norwalk, Ohio, where she and Larry were members of Saint Paul’s Catholic church and raised their sons with a parochial education. There Patricia continued her vocational service down many avenues. For starters at Fisher Titus Hospital, then a time as a migrant nurse, then a run as a home health nurse, as well as, a visiting nurse to Christie Lane School for the Developmentally Disabled. All along dancing with Larry and singing her praises to her faith.

Leaving Norwalk, Larry leaving a productive political past, the two settled in the Cincinnati area; Larry with the Ohio Dept. of Transportation, and Pat with the Warren County Health Dept. All along, the two danced and Patricia continued to sing her praises to her faith.

In retirement, Pat and Larry, of course, danced. They made many lifelong friends, ballroom dancing, round dancing, and square dancing. It is said the two of them moved across a dance floor like melting butter. They were happily married 55 years, Lawrence having died ahead of her in 2012; he was 81. Losing Larry ended Patricia’s dancing days but she continued singing.

For the 14 years to come, she sang in the choir at Saint Phillip the Apostle church, where she and Larry had been parishioners since they moved to Cincinnati.

Pat and Larry made many pilgrimages to the Gethsemani Monastery, together and separately, to bolster the intention and reflection that accompanies one’s faith. Through the church, they were involved in Saint Vincent de Paul outreach, Helping Hands, funeral luncheons and the senior group. Patricia was a person always present in her faith.

Even in her waning months, Patricia was present, aware of her decline, and aware of the difference taking place in her relationship to her loved ones. She was fortunate in having many of her family and friends visit towards the end, to express their love for her, and thank her for the time she gave them. The world, with Patricia’s passing, has lost an ever caring hand and a dedicated passionate voice. She will be missed.

Services to be held: St. Phillip the Apostle , 944 US-22 Morrow, Ohio, 45152.

Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 am

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul.