Patricia Ann Schaeffer Getz's Obituary
Patricia Ann Schaeffer Getz (Nee Ryan), age 85, of Strongsville and formerly of Lorain passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Hospice Services of Southwest General Hospital.
She was born on April 9, 1930 in Lorain, Ohio to William T. and Jeanette (nee Conway) Ryan. Patricia was a 1947 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. Upon her graduation she went on to further her education at the Oberlin School of Commerce receiving her Associates Degree in Clerical Bookkeeping in 1949. She also received special training in shorthand and stenography.
Patricia began her career as a stenographer at the Lorain Palace Theatre. On December 3, 1949 she enlisted with the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. She was stationed in Maryland and worked as a stenographer in the plans and training office of the Army Chemical Center. From there she was transferred to Paris to work in the Supreme Allied Headquarters of General of the Armies Dwight D. Eisenhower. She was honorably discharged on January 22, 1953 at the rank of Sergeant.
An accomplished tennis player she was the Lorain Women’s City champ in 1955, 1957 and 1958. After returning from the Army, she worked as a secretary and book keeper for several years in many capacities, and in 1980 she began working at the dental office of Dr. Donald Zaworski, retiring in 2012 after 32 years of service. Through the years she enjoyed playing tennis, ice skating, dancing, bowling, playing cards and social word games with family and friends.
Patricia is survived by her son, Jeff W. Schaeffer, whom she was living with for the past few years; sister, Nancy G. (Dr. Donald L.) Zaworski; many loving and supportive nieces and nephews; and her extended family members from the Rudolph family.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Bob W. Schaeffer and John M. Getz; parents, William T. and Jeanette Ryan; brother, John H. Ryan; and sisters, Mary Alice, Helen J., Sister Conice IHM (Ruth), Dorothy A., Winifred T. and Catherine A.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Fr. Timothy O’Connor, Pastor, will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp.
The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Susan G. Komen for the Cure at komen.org.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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