Patricia Heigel-Tanner Obituary

Patricia Heigel-Tanner September 24, 1935 - November 29, 2009 Patricia Heigel-Tanner, 74, of State College, died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, at The Atrium at the Village at Penn State. She was born Sept. 24, 1935, in Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of the late Edward H. and Mary Louise Roback Heigel. She married Jerome Tanner, who died Sept. 12, 1999. She started her long career as an instructor dance in Dayton with the Schwartz School of Dance and the Dayton Ballet. She began teaching at Penn State 36 years ago. She achieved the position of Associate Professor of Dance and Movement and was tenured. Pat leaves behind her a large and loving family in Dayton. She also leaves to mourn her many friends, colleagues and former students whose lives she touched and influenced. Along with her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law. A memorial service for Pat will be held after Jan. 1, 2010, and will be announced. She will be buried with her husband in Calvary Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio. In memory of Pat, contributions may be made to the Pennsylvania State University, for the Orchesis Dance Company Endowment Fund, One Old Main, University Park, PA 16802. Arrangements by Koch Funeral Home, State College.

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Published by Centre Daily Times on Dec. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Heigel-Tanner

10 Entries

Timothy Willmot

September 9, 2010

I met Pat in the fall of 1983 as a fresh, new, scared member of Orchesis who had NEVER danced before! However, Pat (with her patience and grace) guided me and encouraged me to become a better and better performer. First with Orchesis, and then with Contemporary. I left Happy Valley in 1986 and started dancing professionally in Philadelphia (1986-90), I went to graduate school in DC and danced, choreographed, and studied with guest artists from NYC (1990-95), and finally I joined a professional company and moved to New York City (1995-96) for an excellent season before the money ran out. Currently, I am a high school theatre teacher--I am still in the arts, still loving it, and recently created a dance piece for a competition with my (non-dance) students that took second place in our district! I often reflect on, and think about, my great teacher(s) from when I started, as well as those other teachers along the way. Of course, I will certainly miss Pat, but I fondly (and proudly) pass on her knowledge to the new, young, and eager performers of tomorrow! Her presence will always be felt in the halls and studios of the White Building! :) What an institution she was for all of us at PSU! Farewell--and dance well--my teacher and my friend. xo

Me (with the beard and holding the guy up) 1995 in NYC with H.T. Chen and Dancers. I came a long way...thanks Pat!

Timothy Willmot

September 9, 2010

Pat and Steven Korkus 1983-84 Orchesis. My first year dancing!

Timothy Willmot

September 9, 2010

February 24, 2010

I woke up this morning thinking of Pat and found the notice of her passing on-line. I studied under her back in the 1970's and danced in both the student and faculty dance companies at Penn State. She remains an inspiration to me - so talented and regal and willing to share her expertise. Thank you Pat for touching my life. Patricia Ritter, Burkesville, KY

Jane Baston

February 2, 2010

I read of Pat's death with great sadness. I first met Pat when, newly arrived from England, I stumbled into her Ballet 1 class at Penn State. I came late to dance but her support and encouragement gave me confidence to try out for the Contemporary Dance Company at Penn State where I spent two very happy years. She was a kind and genuine soul.

Heather Millar

January 30, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Pat's death. She was an incredible influence on me as I took dance to the South in Alabama and then West to Houston. I am always remembering her when I hear the shaker music, "Lord of the Dance." We danced to this in the Eisenhower Chapel at PSU on a snowy, freezing day. She was a great inspiration to many a dancer and will be missed.

Sara Azarius Eichmiller

December 7, 2009

I was under Pat's loving care and superb direction from 1985-1990 in the Contemporary Dance Company at Penn State. She was always focused, always calm in the face of so many details and technical issues, and she was always caring and supportive. How she managed it all was a marvel to me. I love her. She will be missed.

Diane Saleh

December 5, 2009

As I search for the right words to say, I realize, there are no right words...except to say Thank You...to Pat -for her friendship, and Thank You to God - for granting me time on earth with Pat. She taught me much, she encouraged me, she shared with me and she truly cared about me. God bless you, my friend, Pat...a part of you will always be with us - and in Bethany. I miss you already!

Beth Kline

December 3, 2009

Pat was a wonderful teacher, dancer, wife and friend. I will always remember her warm smile and kind words. She was a very giving and loving person. Pat, I'll miss you.

Pat and Kristi at the Grey Box Theatre opening event

Kristi Bigos

December 2, 2009

Pat was a wonderful teacher, dancer, and friend. I have so many memories of her from dance classes and conferences. I will forever cherish our marathon conversations over a meal at the Deli, Spats, or even the Waffle Shop. I was so blessed to have her as my mentor even years after leaving Penn State. She will be deeply missed. I know she is dancing in heaven!

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