Carolyn Villar Patton

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.