Patricia Jane Harris Vensel
October 25, 1933 ~ November 25, 2018
Patricia Jane Harris Vensel, age 85 of Geneva, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018, at Capital Caring in Aldie, VA. Born October 25, 1933 in Tarentum, PA, she was the daughter of the late Willard and Marion (McKrell) Harris. She married Arthur R. Vensel in Tarentum, PA on December 28, 1957.
A 1951 graduate of Tarentum High School, Pat received her teaching degree from Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, PA and also attended the University of Pennsylvania for graduate school. She began her teaching career in Parma, OH and after a brief time away she went on to work for 28 years at the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School (ATech). She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for key women educators. She was named a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar in 1978-79. Pat was an active member of the Geneva First United Methodist Church where she led a women’s Bible study for many years after her retirement as a teacher in 1998. She served multiple terms as the President of the Ashtabula County Library Board and was actively involved in the development of the new Geneva Library. For many years, Pat worked alongside her husband Art volunteering countless hours with the Ashtabula County Democratic Party and working the polls on election day. She volunteered at the Geneva Area Senior Center and served on the Ashtabula County Senior Levy Board.
Pat is survived by her daughters: Beth (Dr. William) Robinson of New Orleans, LA and Becky (Rob) Garcia of Springfield, VA; son: David (Mary Jo) Vensel of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren: Rachel, Caroline (Charles) Keyes, Laura and William Robinson IV, Alex and Zach Garcia; sisters: Mary Ann (Jack) Koch of Kissimmee, FL, March (Mitch) Hall of Memphis, TN, and Judith (Patrick) O'Shea of Sanford, FL. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 49 years, Arthur Vensel who passed away in April 2007.
Family and friends will be received from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 South Broadway in Geneva. Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Geneva First United Methodist Church, 89 S. Broadway in Geneva. Rev. Randy May will officiate the service. Final resting place will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Contributions in Pat’s name may be made to Vensel GOTL Village Beautification Initiative, 4929 South Warner Drive, Geneva on the Lake, OH 44041, ATTN: Mark Mizak.
The Behm Family Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com
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I met Pat while she served on the Ashtabula County Senior Levy board. She was an amazing person and a joy to be around. I will miss her dearly.
As a former student of A-Tech “class of 77 “ I was fortunate to have Mrs Vensel as my teacher. She was so kind and patient with our class. She was interesting and funny and just had a way of building trust with students. God bless you Mrs Vensel!
I was saddened to read of Pat's passing. I was lucky enough to know this very special lady and work with her on a variety of occasions. I first met her when she was my child's teacher. Years later we became friends while working together at the Senior Center and the Catholic Charities clothing site. She was a very kind, compassionate, loving woman with a strong faith in God. She loved joining the conversations about our families when we all worked together. I will miss her but will never forget her. Rest In Peace, Pat. Love you.
Made us laugh, made us think, made us appreciate GOTL … will miss having her as a friend and neighbor—-Debbie and Brandon White
Pat was a treasured colleague, mentor, and friend. I enjoyed her wry sense of humor and her love for our students. The world is a lesser place without her. Heartfelt condolences to her loved ones.
Pat was a beautiful soul, inside and out. Her infectious smile and dogged dedication to the Democratic Party were an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be sadly missed, but we smile knowing she is reunited with Art, who was her true soul mate. RIP, lovely lady.
I read the accomplishments of Pat's life and I am left thinking that she was a lot of things, but for me she was just a fine, fine lady. What a treasure. -Larry Wade
My husband and I are close friends with Dave and Mary Jo in Birmingham, Alabama. We often heard wonderful stories of what a great Mother Dave had. Although my friends are sad with Mrs. Pat's passing of this life, may they find comfort in knowing that she has been made whole with no more suffering or pain. Much love and prayers to Dave, Mary Jo and the rest of the family.
Pat was so kind. I worked for them at GOTL steak house when a young teenager, it was good experience. My mother Milda Allen who also attended Methodist Church also spoke highly of Pat. My sympathy to family and friends. Peg Allen Maher
I am Courtney Bowling, the stepdaughter of Mrs. Pat’s son Dave. Although I did not have many opportunities to spend time with Mrs. Pat, it wasn’t difficult to recognize that she was a remarkable woman. She has certainly left an impression on my life. Our family commits to continually supporting Dave in all of the ways Mrs. Pat did during her time here on earth. He has brought so much joy to our piece of Alabama. Men like Dave don’t happen to be, they are created by wonderful parents like Mr. Arthur and Mrs. Pat. You will be missed. Until we meet again.