Patsy Jean Leffler

Patsy Jean Leffler, born on September 28, 1929, departed this life on July 23,2025, leaving behind a legacy woven into the fabric of her community and enriched by her extensive career. She dedicated thirty years of her life to Cooper Products/Division Cooper Tire Rubber Company, where she served as the Divisional Salary Personnel Manager until her retirement in 1991.

Patsy was not only a remarkable professional but also a committed civic leader. Throughout her life, she contributed her time and talents to numerous boards in Auburn and Dekalb County, including the Zoning Appeals Board, Plan Commission, United Way, Crime Stopper, Dekalb County Fair Association, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and the Dekalb County Chamber of Commerce. Her engagement extended to professional organizations such as Toastmasters International, Dekalb County Personnel Association, and Indiana Personnel Association where she fostered a spirit of teamwork and collaboration.

A gifted performer, Patsy opened a morning radio show for WOWO in Fort Wayne during the 1940s, delighting listeners with a jingle sung alongside her sisters. She also was a member of the theater club ACT 1 where where she performed in many plays in Auburn, Indiana. This early foray into the performing arts exemplifies her vibrant personality and zest for life, which shone brightly in all her endeavors.

Patsy was a woman of diverse interests, enjoying activities that spanned from spending time at the casino, playing cards, and golfing to traveling and bowling. She cherished moments shared with family and friends and had a well-known affinity for her daily dose of red wine before bed, a testament to her love for life's simple pleasures.

She is survived by her loving family, including son Michael J. (Helen) Krick and daughter Karen J. Bassett. She also leaves behind step-children Jennifer (Greg) Shipe, David (Faye) Leffler, and Lori (Gary) Shuman, as well as grandchildren Tyler Leffler, Ashlee Fiandaca, Peter Bassett,Amber (Scott) Simonson, Heather Krick, and Matthew Krick. The family extends to step-grandchildren Abbey Leffler, David (Kayla) Leffler, Samantha (Jon) Palazzolo, Catheryne Shuman(Steve Dix), Andrew (Kelleyanne) Shuman, and Victoria Shipe. Additionally, she was a proud great-grandmother to Gaige Fiandaca, Sophia Fiandaca, Jordan (Malik) Jones, Alexis (Hayden) Haas, Zoey Bassett, Lydia Simonsen, and Bria Simonson, as well as a step-great-grandmother to Charlotte Shuman, Kalvin Leffler, Palmer Leffler, and Lucas Palazzolo. Her lineage continues with great-great-grandchildren Harrison Weaver and Bexley Jones.

Patsy Jean Leffler was preceded in death by her husband Richard Leffler, as well as her parents. She also mourned the loss of her grandson-in-law Paul Fiandaca and several beloved siblings: Helen Cooper, Joan Tutwiler, Donna Tageson, Jane Clifford, Bill Walters, George Walters, Jack Walters, Ralph Walters, and Tom Walters.

The indelible impact of Patsy’s contributions to both her family and her community will be felt for generations to come. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to those she loved will forever resonate within the hearts of all who knew her.

Services will be held on September, 4th, 3 PM at Immaculate Conception Church in Auburn, Indiana, calling will start an hour prior. Donations may be made in Patsy's honor to Hospice of the Valley AZ through their website https://hov.org or directly to the Immaculate Conception Church in Auburn, Indiana.