Patricia Joan Neely

Pat grew up in Akron and is a 1946 graduate of Buchtel High School. She attended Akron University, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Pat graduated from Akron U. in 1950 with a B.S. in Art, with distinction. After graduation, she worked as a “draftsman” at Goodyear Aerospace. In 1953, she married Jack William Neely and they moved to Michigan where their two children were born. While in Michigan, Pat earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Wayne State University.

Returning to Akron in 1966, Pat held various jobs, including teaching art at Coventry High School, leading her church’s youth group, and serving as program director for the Tallmadge YWCA. In 1975, she began work at the Summit County Human Services Department, becoming coordinator of the Federal Demonstration Homemaker Home Health Aide program, whose purpose was to identify public assistance clients to train for jobs. Pat worked at Summit County Human Services until her retirement in 1998 and positively impacted many clients and co-workers with her compassion, competence, and sense of humor.

One of Pat’s favorite quotes was, “Life is not the destination, it’s the journey-with all the interruptions along the way.” This quotation certainly exemplified her life as she dealt with many challenges, including the 1983 death of her husband, Jack. However, Pat made the most of her journey and traveled to China, Europe, the Holy Land and other places. Pat was an avid reader and kept up with current events well into her 90’s. She was also a prolific photographer who captured the world through her artist’s eye. Pat participated in many ministries of Christ United Methodist Church (now Christ Woodland UMC). She cared deeply for “the least of these,” to quote one of her favorite scriptures, and served on the boards of Good Samaritan Hunger Task Force and the Catholic Commission. Pat was also a long-time board member at Open M (a Christian ministry providing pathways out of poverty) and supported that organization tirelessly for many years. Pat’s passion for the underdog extended to the sports world. She was a lifelong Cleveland Indians/Guardians fan and watched or listened to practically every game.

Pat’s greatest accomplishment was as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her children and grandchildren and was always interested and involved in their lives. She also instilled in them her love of Cleveland sports and dedication to social justice and service to others.

Pat is survived by her daughter Sandra (Steve Martin) Neely of New Albany; son Scott (Dana) Neely of Westerville; grandchildren Lindsey Martin, Andrew (Alexa) Martin, Katelyn, Olivia and Jackson Neely and great-grandson, Jack Martin. She is also survived by many relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service celebrating Pat’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Christ Woodland United Methodist Church, 444 North Hawkins Avenue, Akron, OH 44313. Private inurnment at Rose Hill Burial Park, Akron, OH. Contributions in Pat’s memory may be made to Christ Woodland UMC or to Open M (https://www.openm.org/donate), 941 Princeton Street, Akron, OH 44311.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ohio Living-Rockynol Independent Living, where she resided prior to her recent illness, Westerwood Rehabilitation, and Capital City Hospice in Columbus for their care.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Margarum Northeast. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or extend condolences.