Patricia Lauer Swedlow

Patricia Lauer Swedlow, 81, died on August 19, 2016, in Lansing, Michigan, after a long battle with lung cancer. Her children and grandchildren were with her when she died. Despite her illness, Pat played cards, read books, and discussed politics until shortly before she died. Consistent with her responsible and committed nature, Pat wanted to live long enough to vote in the 2016 presidential election, but sadly did not.

Pat was the daughter of Philip F. and Rose H. Lauer, and grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania. She attended nursing school at Easton Hospital and obtained her nursing license in 1957. In Easton, Pat met and married her first husband, Jerold L. Swedlow. After spending several years in California, Pat and Jerry settled in Pittsburgh in 1966 with their three children, Jason, Pam, and Kathy. Pat lived in Pittsburgh until March of this year, when she moved to Michigan to live with family for her final months.

Pat worked as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Presbyterian-University Hospital (later, UPMC) from 1967 until she retired in 1995. Pat specialized in neuro and transplant anesthesia and trained many anesthesia students over the course of her career. Throughout her life, friends and acquaintances sought Pat’s support and medical advice. She loved her work and maintained close friendships with her fellow nurses long after she retired. Pat was always a nurse: during her final months, the hospice staff treated Pat as a colleague, even though she was also their patient.

After Jerry’s death in 1989, Pat married Thomas M. Kerr. Pat and Tom had many happy and full years together. Both were committed to political and social causes, and open discussion and debate were part of the joy of their shared life. Visitors to their Squirrel Hill and Cape May Point homes were expected and encouraged to join in. Pat and Tom traveled extensively for pleasure, but more often in support of the various groups with which they worked. They were also completely content sitting together in their kitchen and discussing their days. Their children, grandchildren, and friends joined them around the table, and shared this pleasure.

Pat served over the years as President of the First Unitarian Church in Pittsburgh, the League of Women Voters, and the Osher Academy of Lifelong Learning. She was a board member of the Pittsburgh Memorial Society, a member of the American Civil Liberties Union in Pennsylvania, and served many times as an Election Officer in Churchill and Squirrel Hill.

Pat was a lifelong bridge player, playing competitively after her retirement. Although Pat’s health prevented her from traveling to tournaments to earn the last few points she needed to become a Life Master, she played as often as she could. In fact, she wanted her friends to know that the last time she played at the Lansing Bridge Club, she and her partner came in first.

Pat was predeceased by her parents and both of her husbands. She is survived by her children Jason (Melpomeni Platani), Pamela (Christopher Falliers), and Kathy Swedlow (Erik Altmann); her grandchildren, Jan, Lena, and Anna Swedlow; her brother, Philip D. Lauer (Noelle Stirner); her step-children, Michael, David, Ellen, Marian, and Sarah Kerr; her step-grandchildren; and her best friend, Gloria Kleiman. Pat is also survived by many friends who loved her dearly, including Mary Lauer and Inke Näthke.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on September 25, 2016, at the Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church in Pittsburgh. A reception will follow; details are forthcoming. Donations in Pat’s memory can be made to the Hospice of Lansing and Ionia (3186 Pine Tree Road, Lansing MI 48911), or the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (247 Fort Pitt Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222).

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com