Patricia Ann Cartensen Bercher

  Patricia Ann “Pat” Bercher, 93, passed away  Monday, December 21, 2020 at the Ursuline Center of Toledo. She was born September 24, 1927 at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo, OH. Her parents were Emil and Ramona (Heck) Cartensen. A graduate of St. Ursula Academy, Pat earned her BA at Mary Manse College, Masters in Theology at Dayton University, and completed a five year Lay Ministry Program. She taught 30 years in the Catholic Schools, 23 of them at Regina Coeli. An innovative and devoted teacher, Pat initiated a Student Government program and started the Junior High School Quiz Bowl in Catholic schools. She also volunteered to be the First Teacher in Space and helped her class to name the space shuttle Endeavor. Pat continued using her gifts as a teacher even after retirement, teaching scripture classes for 18 years at the Ursuline Center and facilitating the Great Books classes for the Lourdes College Lifelong Learning program.

  Pat attended St. Agnes and St. Catherine Catholic Churches and sang in the choir at both. She was a member of Kappa Gamma Pi and an Ursuline Associate. She also volunteered at Heartbeat of Toledo for 17 years. She was blessed with a multitude of great friends, including the “Pajamas” (a club from St. Agnes grade school), the “49ers” from Mary Manse College, her bridge club, two book clubs, her fellow church and choir members, and neighbors. Her very best friends were her family members.  She thanked God every day for such a blessed life.

  Pat was preceded in death by her husband Norman Frederick Bercher and her son Frederick Michael Bercher. Surviving are her children: Therese Thourot (Jack), Patrice Chapman (Richard), and Edward Bercher (Kathy); 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters: Elizabeth Welch and Sister Margaret Anne Cartensen.

  A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 419-476-9176.

  Memorial donations may be given to Heartbeat of Toledo or the Ursuline Center of Toledo. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.sujkowski.com.