Patsy Monthei

The death of our mother, Patricia Monthei, on June 12, 2025, leaves a huge void in the hearts of all who loved her. There is little that compares to the love of a mother. Our mom was the heartbeat of our home and the core of our huge family. Her love was pure, strong, and unconditional. She had a heart of gold and a beautiful soul.

Patsy was born April 24, 1928, to Dan and Loretta (Hennessey) Healy at the family home in rural Scranton. She was the young sister of Jack and Margaret Mary (Lyons). She married Wayne Monthei on February 21, 1946. They moved to a farm 3 1/2 miles west of Je erson, where they spent the next 66 years raising eight children.

Mom taught us that big families made wonderful memories of summers on the farm, crazy family reunions, great holiday celebrations, and the everyday antics of a huge family. Mom especially loved Christmas and made it wonderfully magical for our family, a gift we have all passed on to our own families.

As if raising a big family and being a farm wife didn't keep her busy enough, Patsy spent over 50 years working at Deal's Orchard, and she loved every minute of it. She loved the entire Deal family, starting right at the top with Forrest and Edna.

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Wayne, in 2010; her infant daughter, Linda; her son, Tom; her grandson, Andy Lehman; and her sons-in-law, Dan Lehman, Tom Schwager, and Ron Chesler.

There was nothing on earth she loved more than her family, including nieces and nephews, too numerous to mention. Their lives were all blessed by her great devotion to them. Those who are left to mourn her passing are her seven children: Pam Chesler, John (Robin) Monthei, Muriel Lehman, Cindy Schwager, Laurie (Jim) Wycko Angie (John) Wiggins, Mike Monthei, and her daughter-in-law Deb Monthei.

Mom's tender arms held 25 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. She was so happy to learn this week that her first great-great-grandchild will be born in January.

Services for Patsy will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jefferson. A visitation will be before the service from 12:30 to 2:00.

If something makes you this sad when it ends, it must have been incredibly wonderful. How lucky we were to have you, Mom. You did your job well. Dad, Tom, and so many others are waiting for you now. We, too, will meet you there one day. Just know we will miss you and will carry you in our hearts forever.