Carolyn Villar Patton (nee Ondus), affectionately known as “Slovak Mother”, age 83 passed away peacefully on November 5, 2023. She was the cherished wife of 51 years to the late Robert A. Patton; loving mother of Lisa (Michael) Dobe, Robert (Lisa) Patton, and David Patton; beloved grandmother of Mary (Michael) Coyle, Sarah, Caitlyn, Jennifer, Bridget, Patrick, Frederick, and India; dearest great grandmother “Babinka” of Nora and Violet Coyle; treasured sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, and cousin; and dear friend to many.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mabel (nee Villar) Ondus, brother Joseph, and dear caregiver Henrietta Nechas.
Carolyn was born in Cleveland on November 16, 1939. After attending Our Lady of Good Counsel School and Saint Stephen High School, Carolyn was the first woman in her family to go to college. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Saint John College, special education certification from Notre Dame College and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Cleveland State University. She retired in 2003 after a 28 year career as a special education teacher for the Wickliffe City Schools.
Carolyn was a woman of faith, patriotism, and fun. She was a longtime member of Saints Robert and William Parish serving as a guitarist, handbell ringer, and in several other ministries. She made presentations as Betsy Ross to many organizations and served on the Willoughby Hills Civil Service Commission. In May 2017, the Lake County Republican Party bestowed upon Carolyn the Millie Teuscher Award in recognition of her outstanding service to the citizens of Lake County. Beyond her civic endeavors, Carolyn also enjoyed travel, especially to Alaska, stamping and card crafts, crocheting, baking, and making beer with the Billy Bob Brewing Club. She delighted countless children with her seasonal apple orchard story times and appearances as Mrs. Claus.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Saturday November 11, 2023, at Saints Robert and William Church, 351 E. 260th Street, Euclid, Ohio 44132.
Burial following at All Souls Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Friday, November 10, 2023, at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Carolyn’s memory to Birthright International by clicking HERE or to Saints Robert and William Parish by clicking HERE.
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Mike Coyle
Sweet soul, lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends
Jeanne Hazen
Thinking of you Lisa with love & hugs
EMILY AMBROSIO
Your mom was truly a great role model. I admired the way she lived. Always up to challenge herself and stay active. We’re going to miss her so much.
James Vuyancih
Hello Patton family. My deepest condolences to you all for the loss of such a wonderful Christian, mother, friend and beautiful soul. She was always such a good friend to me along with your dad. They were one of the best couples I’ve ever known. May the Lord welcome her home to His loving arms. I KNOW she has a glorious place in heaven right next to Bob and Jesus. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God give you peace and healing. God Bless!
Maxine Salabie
It is with a sad heart that I offer condolences to the Patton’s family, especially to David. I hope that you will find peace in the memories of the beautiful time she had shared you with. God bless you all.
One Love
Maxine Salabie
John Eklund
Carolyn was a great woman in every respect, and will continue to enrich lives for generations to come as an exemplar of a loving wife, family member, mother, Grandmother and great-grandmother. She shows us all how love of family and civic commitment combine to make a purposeful life.
DEBRA SOBKOWICH
DEAR MR PATTON, LISA AND GIRLS,
I ALWAYS ENJOYED YOUR MOM’S PRESENCE AT THE GIRLS SCHOOL EVENTS. SHE WAS A DELIGHTFUL LADY! MY PRAYERS ARE FOR YOU AND YOUR MOM.
Mahima Chanana
I love you so much, Grandma!
Love your adopted granddaughter .
Russ and Joanne Egolf
Absent from the body,present with the Lord. May the Lord comfort you with
His promise..
Marie Coyle
So sorry to hear of Carolyn passing; I will always remember her contagious smile and seeing her as Mrs Claus at Violet’s birthday party Mike will miss talking politics with her
Roberta C. Patton
Dear cousins: Robert, David and Lisa: My deepest sympathy to you about the passing of your mother, Aunt Carolyn. Aunt Carolyn and your family were a comfort to me when, my father, Joseph passed. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Cousin, Roberta
Barbara
I taught with your Mother for years at Wickliffe Elementary. She was a real joy to work with and a dedicated, caring teacher to her students. She treated them like young adults teaching them to be good workers and responsible citizens. She set her classroom up like an office delegating “jobs” to the students. She used play money to “pay” them, and setup bank accounts to use for their check books. Of course, they could be “fined” for infractions to the rules, as well! On St. Patrick’s Day she had an ongoing rivalry with another teacher, Mrs. Beaumier. Carolyn brought in green things to eat while another teacher Mrs. Beaumier brought in orange things. She truly enjoyed life! We will miss her!
Dianne Lane
Sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family.