Patty Ann Bellew

Patty Ann Bellew, aka Patty Purple, Mom, Gram, Auntie Patty and "My First Wife," as her late husband fondly referred to her, even though she was his one and only wife, passed away November 29, 2023.She wore many hats, but her favorite was no doubt that of Gram. Patty made everyone she encountered feel that they were the most important person in the room. She put others above herself everyday of her life, the quintessential caretaker.Her grandchildren felt her immense love from the day they entered the world. From sleeping in the walk-in closet on an air mattress with her granddaughter to watching the Lion King several times in a day with her oldest grandson to spending the entire summer by the pool with her younger grandsons, she was always there for them. Her grandchildren returned the favor by spending their spring breaks visiting her in Ohio rather than heading south with friends. They adored their Gram.Patty was equally the best mother. To the outside world, she portrayed a sweet façade. But those who knew her best sometimes witnessed her string of expletives when she stubbed her toe, misplaced her hairbrush or ran over a curb with her paneled station wagon. Her outbursts were often met with laughter from her family, and she couldn't help but laugh along with them.Patty Purple cherished her friends and made certain she was always there for them. She loved to golf and bowl with her friends. They sometimes got themselves into predicaments when they were out. One night after bowling, they couldn't get into their car. The key didn't work. They ran back into the alley and grabbed a coat hanger to break in. It worked, but once inside they realized they were in the wrong car. Theirs was a row down. They quickly exited without incident, laughing hysterically and proud of their break-in but grateful they weren't arrested.Patty also enjoyed her nephews. They looked forward to Auntie Patty's pancakes. She loved to cook and feed her family and friends, but she wasn't fond of others messing in her kitchen. If ever someone attempted to cook in her domain, she patrolled like a cop on a beat. She was also an avid Cleveland Indians fan. Patty was born on October 19, 1939, in East Cleveland. She graduated from Willoughby Union High School in 1957. She met her late husband, Donald Bellew, walking to work in downtown Cleveland. She blew off his initial requests for a date until her friend convinced her one date didn't have to be a lifetime. It turned out it was. Patty was industrious and preferred to be busy. She worked at Reliance Electric from 1982 to 1999. Her career took a backseat to her family. On the side, she liked to paint -- not portraits but walls and ceilings for anyone who asked. She touted neatness until the day she was painting her friend's master bedroom, and the paint can fell from the top of the ladder onto her head, coating her face, glasses, clothes, carpet, and bed spread. She went down in history as the sloppiest painter of all time. She loved laughing at herself and there was no shortage of material.Her strength was second to none. She was courageous as she battled multiple myeloma for the past four years and never complained.If ever there was someone who epitomized the word selfless, it was Patty. The hole she leaves behind will never be filled. Her presence will forever linger in those of us lucky enough to have known her.Patty is survived by her son, John Bellew; two daughters, Lisa Peebles and Cindy Boehnlein (Michael Boehnlein); and four grandchildren, Alex Peebles, Samantha Peebles, Jacob Boehnlein and Aidan Boehnlein.Our family is forever grateful to Hospice of the Western Reserve: Amber, Julie, and Susan for your amazing care. Thank you also Anna from Comfort Keepers. The wonderful comfort and care you gave to our beloved Patty will never be forgotten.