Patricia Van Horn

Patricia Eileen Karner Van Horn, 83, went home June 28, 2026, surrounded by family. Pat (Patsy as she was known to family) was born February 9, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois to William and Eileen Karner. She lived a life marked by compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to others.

Pat received her BSN from the University of Illinois and later her MS from Texas Woman’s University. She went on to build a remarkable 40-year career in nursing, touching countless lives with her skill, empathy, and steady presence.

Pat lived many, many places throughout her life but called Oxford, Mississippi home for over 25 years. She poured her boundless energy into her many creative passions. She excelled in knitting, sewing, jewelry making, cooking, baking, and most anything else she attempted. She always enjoyed a glass of iced tea and was rarely seen without one. Pat also loved Christmas. She celebrated it with the same joyful intensity she brought to everything else, filling her home with decorations, treats, and a spirit of generosity. Her warmth made everyone feel welcomed, and her enthusiasm for life was evident in everything she did.

Pat, an unapologetic liberal and vegetarian, was dedicated to human and animal rights. While she worked tirelessly to ensure that all people had food and shelter, her greatest passion was rescuing cats. Over the years, she fostered, rescued, and adopted many cats. Everyone who knew Pat knew that caring for cats gave her purpose and joy.

Pat is predeceased by her husband of 26 years, D. Randolph Ely and her beloved husband of 27 years, James. She is remembered in life by her children, Elizabeth Kathleen Ely and David Matthew Ely (Branda) and two bonus children from her life with Jim, Thomas Van Horn (Laura) and Christina Harvey (Ned). She was blessed with nine grandchildren, Jonah Lloyd, Amelia Lloyd (Sean), Kathleen Ely, D. Zachary Ely, Kayla Harvey, Morgan Ruocchio (Matt), Bryan Van Horn, John Van Horn, and Katherine Van Horn and two great-grandchildren, Jackson Ruocchio and Ryan Ruocchio. She is also survived by her three rescued cats, Isabel, Fiona, and Grace. All will miss her terribly.

Pat leaves behind a legacy of kindness, advocacy, creativity, and love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to 9Lives Cat Rescue of Oxford, Mississippi.