Patricia Higley
December 31, 1969 — December 13, 2020
Patricia Higley
Obituary of Patricia Higley
Patricia Verlee (Patterson) Higley, 96, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2020 in Colonial Park Care Center. She was born August 23, 1924 in Waynesburg, PA to the late Martha and Edward Patterson. Patricia graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1942, and married Dom Peternel in 1943. Dom perished in combat in World War II; together they had one son, Patrick Peternel, born in 1944.
At an early age, Patricia developed a love and talent for music which she continued throughout her lifetime. While singing at Waynesburg College, she met and married G. Nelson Higley in 1948, and they moved to Harrisburg.
Music and family were central to Patricia; she was proud of raising her seven children to have an appreciation of music in all forms and loved that her grandchildren continued her legacy. Patricia was a soloist for various local churches, including Paxton Presbyterian and Pine Street Presbyterian in Harrisburg. She and her husband were also active in several groups that performed in nursing homes in the 1960's.
Patricia enjoyed traveling throughout the country with her family, visiting historic homes and gardens, attending local theatre and music productions; and could often be found outdoors enjoying nature, singing at the piano, or baking her famous pies for family gatherings. Patricia was the heart of her large family, providing constant love and support to her children and grandchildren as well as to the family pets, which were an integral part of the household. Patricia's warm smile and gentle nature will be missed by all who knew her.
Patricia was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, G. Nelson Higley, in 2010, and her oldest son, Patrick Peternel in 2013. Patricia is survived by three sons, Randall Higley of Yeagertown; Lance (Bonnie) Higley of Midlothian, VA, and Rhian (Ann) Higley of Harrisburg; three daughters, Adelle (Lew) Lloyd of Harrisburg, Erin (Rod) Clippinger of York Haven, and Lisa (Tim) Milletics of Harrisburg; ten grandchildren, Arian, Bryan, Chealsea, Laura, Jason, Tom, Alicia, Mindy, Jeff and Austin; and twenty great grandchildren.
A Private Family Service will be held in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, where Patricia will be laid to rest with her beloved husband. There will be no viewing or visitation. Arrangements are being handled by Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Oberlin.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Grane Hospice Care, 1200 Camp Hill Bypass, Suite 205, Camp Hill, PA 17011 or Colonial Park Care Center, 800 King Russ Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17109.
To plant a tree in memory of Patricia Higley, please visit Tribute Store
Patricia Verlee (Patterson) Higley, 96, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2020 in Colonial Park Care Center. She was born August 23, 1924 in Waynesburg, PA to the late Martha and Edward Patterson. Patricia graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1942, and married Dom Peternel in 1943. Dom perished in combat in World War II; together they had one son, Patrick Peternel, born in 1944.
At an early age, Patricia developed a love and talent for music which she continued throughout her lifetime. While singing at Waynesburg College, she met and married G. Nelson Higley in 1948, and they moved to Harrisburg.
Music and family were central to Patricia; she was proud of raising her seven children to have an appreciation of music in all forms and loved that her grandchildren continued her legacy. Patricia was a soloist for various local churches, including Paxton Presbyterian and Pine Street Presbyterian in Harrisburg. She and her husband were also active in several groups that performed in nursing homes in the 1960's.
Patricia enjoyed traveling throughout the country with her family, visiting historic homes and gardens, attending local theatre and music productions; and could often be found outdoors enjoying nature, singing at the piano, or baking her famous pies for family gatherings. Patricia was the heart of her large family, providing constant love and support to her children and grandchildren as well as to the family pets, which were an integral part of the household. Patricia's warm smile and gentle nature will be missed by all who knew her.
Patricia was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, G. Nelson Higley, in 2010, and her oldest son, Patrick Peternel in 2013. Patricia is survived by three sons, Randall Higley of Yeagertown; Lance (Bonnie) Higley of Midlothian, VA, and Rhian (Ann) Higley of Harrisburg; three daughters, Adelle (Lew) Lloyd of Harrisburg, Erin (Rod) Clippinger of York Haven, and Lisa (Tim) Milletics of Harrisburg; ten grandchildren, Arian, Bryan, Chealsea, Laura, Jason, Tom, Alicia, Mindy, Jeff and Austin; and twenty great grandchildren.
A Private Family Service will be held in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, where Patricia will be laid to rest with her beloved husband. There will be no viewing or visitation. Arrangements are being handled by Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Oberlin.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Grane Hospice Care, 1200 Camp Hill Bypass, Suite 205, Camp Hill, PA 17011 or Colonial Park Care Center, 800 King Russ Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17109.
To plant a tree in memory of Patricia Higley, please visit Tribute Store
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Patricia Higley, please visit our flower store.
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