Patti Sauer

With immense sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Patti Hynes Sauer on March 3rd, 2024 while sailing on a Music Cruise through the Caribbean Sea. It goes unsaid that she was having the time of her life experiencing two of her favourite things. Patti leaves behind her husband of 35 years, Craig Sauer, as well as her most beloved twins, Carson (Cassy) and Emily Sauer. Patti welcomed first grandson, Silas, born to Cassy and Carson in 2022 and discovered grand-mothering was her greatest passion.

A lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, Patti Hynes was born November 5, 1961 to Sylvester and Eileen Hynes. She grew up on Heximer Avenue with siblings Barry (Hynes), Lisa (Pierson), and Deborah (Wayland) who passed in 2023. She is cherished ‘sister-in-law’ to Steve Wayland, Peter Pierson, Michelle Hynes, Laura and Gerry Roberg, Ted Sauer and Diana Krinner and the late Maureen Sauer, Bev Sauer and the late Eric Gawman. She is ‘Aunt Patti’ to Sarah, Jonathon, Kiersten, Victoria, Colin, Allison, Julie, Jennifer, Leslie, Harrison, Robert, Len and their families.

Patti’s kindness, ‘just come’ generosity, and Irish wit invited many friendships. Must mentions include lifelong friend and travelling buddy Linda Holden and fellow ‘Desperate Housewives of Willoughby’ Chris Bradfield, Peggy Fitkowski, and Kathy Dunnett.

With an accounting management degree from Conestoga College, Patti began a career at Frito Lay in Kitchener until wooed back to Niagara to marry her boyfriend of 10 years, Craig, on October 8th, 1988. Patti, who worked tirelessly in the family business ‘Sauer’s Drugstore’ until its doors closed in 2014, was adored by staff and customers.

Patti, a Habs turned Leaf fan to keep the family peace, was deemed a natural athlete when she outsprinted all the boys at Dad’s annual General Motor’s picnics. She excelled in soccer. As Jack Dow Cougars, Patti and her sisters were featured in the Niagara Falls Review when ‘all three Hynes girls scored’ in one eventful game. She even laced up hockey skates to play defense for the Loretto Fighting Saints —a coaching decision she often pondered, as she ‘struggled to skate backwards’. Most recent Patti and Craig, Lisa and Peter mounted a volleyball team with great friends and great times, especially after the game at their sponsor’s pub.

Patti was a calming presence in times of family challenge. She would smile when she described her manoeuvres through her collection of autoimmune disorders. She never let them hold her back. In the last 10 years of her life, Patti went on an annual Florida euchre trip with sister Debbie. She and Craig travelled to 5 continents often in search of their favourite musicians. Back in Canada, Patti spent many mornings standing at dock’s edge, sipping coffee, and admiring her piece of the Niagara River or going to Toronto to visit her twins and receive endless cuddles from her grandson.

Family and friends will hold a celebration of Patti’s life on Saturday March 30th at Southminster United Church, 6801 Hagar Avenue, Niagara Falls. The family will greet guests at 1pm followed by a service at 2pm. Donations to the JDRF or a charity of your choice will be greatly appreciated.