Patricia Helen Cleland

Patricia Helen Deitz was born on December 16,1944 in Holyoke, MA. Pat was the 12th child of 16 to Harlan and Alice Deitz of Bowers St. Pat married Thomas E. Cleland, Jr. of Holyoke on April 10,1965 shortly before Tom was commissioned as an officer in the USAF. Immediately following the wedding Pat and Tom set out on an adventure in life taking them halfway around the world and back again. During their 26 years of service in the USAF Pat and Tom had 3 children: David, Donna, and Todd. They traveled the world, moving over 24 times, living in places like Osan, South Korea and Howard AFB, Panama…twice, Maine, GA, LA, NM, FL, AL, VA, KS and AZ. They experienced history firsthand- the assassination of Pres. Pak of South Korea and the rise and fall of the dictator Manuel Noriega in Panama. Pat spent much of her time working as a Bank Teller, volunteering in Family Services, Spouses’ Clubs, selling Mary Kay, starting Puppet Ministries in chapels, aiding Missionaries, and serving airmen any chance she could get. She worked tirelessly to serve whatever military base she was living on at the time. After retiring from the Air Force Pat and Tom eventually returned to South Hadley, MA where they served in the Springfield High School JROTC Program for another 24 years- Tom as the JROTC Lead Instructor and Pat as a volunteer, chaperone, and mentor to female cadets and staff. Pat continued to serve the Springfield/Holyoke Community with a Puppet Ministry, raising money for the Jimmy Fund, starting Rebekah’s Closet, serving with the Mary Mattoon Chapter of DAR, and working as a Jeweler in Stein’s Jewelry Store. Pat spent her final years resting in the warmth of the Florida sun with her High School Sweetheart and husband of 60 years. Pat is survived by her husband Col. (Ret.) Tom Cleland, her children: David Cleland, Donna Cleland Worthy, and Todd Cleland; their 7 grandchildren: Ryan Cleland, Sarah Worthy, Hannah Worthy, Elissa Cleland, Zachary Cleland, Jacob Cleland, and Rebekah Worthy; and 5 of her siblings: Judy Theroux, Wally Deitz, Janet Robert, Sandy Grant, and Gary Deitz. She lived a life full of service, adventure, and love. She will be missed by all.