FORT MYERS

- Patricia Ellen Rothermich, 80, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2023. Patricia was born on September 30, 1942, to Frederick Leo and Mae Zena Blackburn in Columbus, Ohio. After Patricia graduated from St Joseph Academy in 1960 as valedictorian, she went on to St Mary of the Springs College, now Ohio Dominican University, on a full scholarship. Patricia graduated magna cum laude with a major in History and a minor in German in 1964. Later in life, Patricia returned to school to obtain her Masters in Library Science from Kent State. Patricia worked as a Research Librarian at Otterbein University for 27 years. When she retired, she moved to Fort Myers, Florida.

Patricia was known for her sharp intellect and wit. She carried a knack for reciting poetry from her grandfather, Patrick “Joe” Holleran, and a love of mystery stories from her mother. Patricia was a voracious reader and enjoyed going for daily walks. She was also a skilled seamstress, and she made legendary butter cookies every Christmas. Patricia always put the needs of others above her own and loved finding ways to be helpful to her community, friends and family. She was passionate about her Irish heritage and a devoted Catholic with unwavering faith in God.

If Patricia were to comment on her passing, she would likely quote one of her grandfather’s favorite poems, Crossing the Bar, by Alfred Lord Tennyson, “And may there be no sadness or farewell, When I embark; For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place, The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face, When I have crossed the bar.”

Patricia is survived by her children Margaret (Scott) Vanderbrook, Elizabeth (Patrick) Tschosik, Joseph (Catherine Duffy) Rothermich, Kenneth (Erika Colbertaldo) Rothermich, her grandchildren Katherine, Micah, Zoe, Annika and Owen. She is also survived by her brother Thomas (Lillian) Blackburn, sister-in-law Donna Blackburn, the father of her children F. Donald Rothermich, and an extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her brother, Frederick Blackburn, and her parents Leo and Mae Blackburn.

On August 19, 2023, a funeral mass will be held at the chapel at St Joseph Cemetery in Lockbourne, Ohio at 11:30am and a celebration of life will be held at The Jury Room in Columbus, Ohio from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.