Patricia Brewster (70), of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. She fought a 20 year battle against ovarian cancer with grace and optimism.
She was born on March 1, 1954 in Mansfield, Ohio to parents Harold and Laurel (Williams) Heilman. She was a lifelong resident of the Mansfield area. She earned her Masters degree in Library Sciences.
Patricia was head librarian of the Ontario Branch of the Mansfield Richland County Public Library for a number of years before taking her dream position as head of the Children’s Department at the main library. She loved choosing books the children would respond to. She also created beautiful displays that patrons of all ages anticipated. As an avid reader, Patricia took her love of reading and books and created a lifelong career that inspired young minds and enriched her community.
In her spare time Patricia enjoyed gardening, spending countless hours beautifying her home with new and unique plants. Her eye for beauty did not stop in her garden. Patricia was a talented interior designer and had a home filled with beauty and warmth. She was an excellent and adventurous cook and baker, often trying out dozens of different recipes so she could pick out her favorites to share with her family and friends. Although she had many signature dishes, she was most famous for her chocolate chip cookies and her sugar cookies, which she always made sure to share. Above all else though Patricia loved her family and spending time with all of her nieces and nephews. Though she never had any children of her own she formed an extra special bond with her great-niece Lexi, and her great-great nephew Jaxson, who brought her immeasurable joy in life. Patricia’s generosity, loving heart, and kind spirit will be missed by everyone who loved her.
She is survived by her sister Barbara (Richard) Metcalf, sister Kathleen Heilman, brother Thomas (Jodi) Heilman, nieces and nephews Cara (Mike) Geib, Beth Metcalf, Andrew (Sydney) Metcalf, Jared Krenrick, Chad Krenrick, Justin (Hannah) Heilman, Zachary (Amanda) Heilman, and Noah Heilman, as well as ten great-nieces and nephews and 4 great-great nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, Patricia is preceded in death by her brother Joseph Heilman.
The family will receive friends on Monday, October 7, 2024 from 4-6 pm in the Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel, where a funeral service celebrating Patricia’s life will begin immediately after.
Memorial contributions can be made to Evangelism Resources at www.erinfo.org or 425 Epworth Ave, Wilmore, KY 40390.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Patricia’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on her obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com