Patricia Anne (Spake) Sefton

Patricia Anne Sefton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on September 16, 1933, in Auburn, Indiana, to Helen and Lauren Spake. Pat’s life was a testament to love, family, faith, and community.

Pat moved to Fort Wayne in sixth grade and made it her home for the rest of her life. It was there, as a freshman at North Side High School, that she met Richard (Dick) W. Sefton, the love of her life. After graduating in 1951, Pat and Dick's relationship blossomed, and they were married on June 20, 1953. Together, they built a life filled with love, joy, and devotion.

Pat and Dick were blessed with two children, Scott Sefton and Patricia M. Sefton, who, along with their families, became the heart of Pat’s world.

During her time at North Side High School, Pat joined the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, where she remained an active and dedicated member for many years, organizing fundraisers and charitable events that reflected her generous spirit and commitment to helping others.

After high school, Pat worked as a telephone operator for seven years. Following the birth of her son, Pat embraced her greatest role as a wife, mother, and eventually grandmother and great-grandmother, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her family.

A woman of faith, Pat was a lifelong member of North Christian Church.

Pat was known for her incredible gift of connection. Whether at home, bowling alley, church, or even the hair salon, she had an unmatched ability to strike up heartfelt conversations and make those around her feel truly seen and valued. Her talent for picking the perfect gift, no matter the occasion, was legendary among her family and friends, a reflection of her thoughtfulness and genuine care.

While Pat and Dick enjoyed traveling the world together, her true haven was their lakeside home on Lake James. There, she created countless cherished memories with her family filled with joy, laughter, and love.

Pat is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, Dick; her children, Scott Sefton (Cindy) and Patricia M. Sefton; her grandchildren, Christine (Sefton) Reiter (Jason), Allison (Morrison) Wight (Brody), and Steven Sefton (Amanda); her great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Penelope Reiter, and Ellis and Maeve Wight; her brother, Richard Spake (Karen); and her sister-in-law, Sherry Spake.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Helen Spake; her brother, David Spake; and her son-in-law, John Morrison.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held 12:00PM Saturday, January 4, 2025 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes – Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Road (46815) with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Pastor Kate Howard, officiating. Burial will follow at Eel River Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in Pat’s honor to the North Christian Church or the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, a shining example of a life well-lived.

Fond memories of Patricia may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the family.