Obituary of Patricia Sue Fongheiser

There will be a live webcast of the Funeral Mass from the church's website:  click on the link below to watch:  

www.ourladyofhope.net/stream

     Patricia S. Fongheiser passed away April 18^th, 2020 from a stroke.  She was 80 years old and was born in Evansville, Indiana, the daughter of Melvin and Dorothy Schoettlin (Stinchfield).  She was married to her husband Paul for 41 years.  Pat was a graduate of F.J. Reitz High School in Evansville.  She had one child from a previous marriage, Lynn Waltz Fongheiser Iannizzi.  Pat is survived by her husband, Paul Fongheiser, daughter Lynn Iannizzi (Andrew), grandchildren Anthony and Olivia Iannizzi and sisters Maretta Nicholson (Carl) of Indiana, Julie Nicholson (Tom) of Alabama and several loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Melvin Schoettlin, her mother Dorothy (Stinchfield) Schoettlin and her sister Sandy Schneider (David).

     Pat’s profession was a dental assistant.  She worked for Dr. Harlan Waltz of Evansville, Indiana, Dr. Richard Krammes of Fairfax, Virginia, Dr. Gary Weber of Naperville, Illinois and Dr. James Weber of Cincinnati, Ohio.

     Pat had a broad range of interests, but her most cherished were her grandchildren, Anthony and Olivia.  From the time they were born, she took tremendous interest in their activities, was a fastidious grandmother and welcomed the opportunity to spend time with them.  She attended their school and sports events at every chance she had.  One of her main goals in life was to lovingly and caringly watch them as they grew to adulthood.  She said at the beginning of the year that she had happily achieved this goal.

     Pat and her daughter, Lynn had a very close relationship.  They enjoyed shopping, going to Tea, getting their nails done and going out to lunch together.  As Lynn grew up, she was so proud of her accomplishments and enjoyed every milestone that she had the opportunity to be a part of.  Pat was more than a mother to Lynn, but a friend and confidant and Lynn felt the same about her mom. 

     Gardening was Pat’s lifetime interest, and as with everything she did during her life, she embraced it with zeal.  Every spring would find her planning all the details of the garden.  When Pat was in her 20’s she even drove a tractor on her farm in Indiana.  She was also a certified Master Gardener in Virginia. 

     During Paul and Pat’s marriage, the couple lived in South Bend, Indiana; Fairfax, Virginia; Coral Springs, Florida; Naperville, Illinois; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Ashburn, Virginia.  Pat took delight in redecorating each home and even made the draperies for most of the homes.  She thoroughly enjoyed cooking for Paul and hosting parties.  She was known for her delightful cooking.  Paul and Pat enjoyed taking trips to Skyline Drive and Monticello, nature walks, antiquing and going to breakfast at Joe’s Café. 

     Virginia was her favorite state.  She enjoyed reading its history and traveling to historical points she learned about.  She volunteered at Oatlands Plantation serving tea which she thoroughly enjoyed.  She also volunteered at the Waterford Foundation and Birthright in Leesburg, Virginia.  Patricia had a devout love of Mary and her Catholic faith.  During Paul and Pat’s marriage they volunteered as RCIA instructors at their church in Cincinnati and enjoyed watching many individuals become part of the Catholic Church. She was proud to be a wife of a fourth degree Knights of Columbus.  Paul and Pat were members of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Potomac Falls, Virginia.  

   Pat will be sorely missed by all and her family will keep her in their hearts forever.  She was the best wife, mother and grandmother anyone could ever ask for.

     Donations may be made in her name to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, 15 N. Maple St., Akron, Ohio  44303 (on memo line, please state “Fongheiser Family Scholarship Fund”).