Patricia (née Holton) Reese, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, 22 February 2017, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She succumbed to complications from the disease, at her home in Parkman Twp, surrounded by her loving and devoted family: Donald, her spouse of 43 years, her two sons David and Michael, and their spouses Shona and Carissa. Patricia was born in Cleveland, in January, 1949. She was the first daughter and third child of Charles R. Holton, Jr. and Mary E. (Brown) Holton. Her oldest brother Jeff and his wife, Sandy, reside in Longview, TX. David (Mary Yancey Spencer), her older brother, resided in Richmond, VA. Pat’s younger sister, Barbara, resides in Cheverly, MD. Pat’s family moved from Shaker Heights to Warren Ohio, in the early 1950s, when her father accepted the position of President of the Union Savings & Trust Co. They resided in Warren, for several years, before moving to Howland Township. Pat attended Garfield School, before entering Howland Schools. Graduating in 1967, she matriculated to Muskingum University, where she majored in French. Pat spent a year as an exchange student, in France, attending the Sorbonne; after which, she returned to Muskingum to finish her studies and earn a teaching certificate. Patricia was recruited by Centerville High School, in the Dayton Area. At Centerville, she became “Madame” to her adoring students. Pat had a gift for engaging the “inner child” in teenagers. She found ways to remind them that learning could be fun. She skillfully wove insights into the French culture, as well as her passion for art, to enliven an otherwise pedantic process for learning a foreign language. Along the way, Pat raised her two boys, David, DVM and Michael, DVM to become well rounded and upstanding young men. They and their spouses, Shona, BVMS and Carissa, VTS are accomplished specialists in Veterinary Medicine. Pat adored and took great pride in her two grandchildren: Abigail (4) and Jamison (1), who live with their parents, David and Shona, in the far off city of Perth, Western Australia. Watching them, as they grow up at such a great distance, has presented a real challenge. Fortunately, the commitment of their parents, coupled with modern technology, helped to mitigate her frustration at being so far away. After retiring from Centerville High School, in 2007, Pat reinvented herself, avidly pursing the art she had so long studied, admired, and taught. When Donald retired, in 2009, they decided to return to the Warren area, where they had grown up together. Consequently, in 2010, they moved to their family farm, near Parkman, where Pat traded painting canvases with pastels for creating rainbows with flowers, in her many splendid gardens. Patricia is preceded in death by her father, mother, and brother, David. She is survived by a nephew and several nieces, as well as sisters-in-law Kareen (Thomas) Klier, Monica, and Mary Alice (Ralph) Meacham. “Madame” will be fondly remembered by her innumerable friends, colleagues, and students. Pat was a gift to everyone whose life she touched. Her untimely death has left many hearts burdened with unthinkable grief and loss. Yet, with time, the memories of her indomitable spirit, calm and reassuring demeanor, ever present smile, warm and tender touch, and selfless devotion to family and friends will be what endures, and fills the void left by her passing. There will be no calling hours. A private service will be held, prior to Interment at All Souls Cemetery, at a time of the family’s choosing. Per Patricia’s request, the family asks that, In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the Charles R. and Mary E. Holton, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, conducted through the Kent State Foundation Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road, NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated To Serving Your Loved Ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com

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