It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved mother, Patricia A. “Patti” Fasching, as she began her journey from this life on April 24 in Marathon. She died peacefully in her home at the age of 89.
Born Patricia A. Fritchey in Allentown, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1932, Patti lived a full and rewarding life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She married the love of her life, Frank, on Sept. 8, 1951, at 19 years of age, after graduating from Central Catholic High School. After working as a secretary for the Lehigh Valley Cooperative Potato Growers, she became a homemaker and mother of five children: Anthony, Nanette, William, Joseph and Karen. Later, Patti worked part time at Inches Away Figure Salon. She was a forerunner of the fitness movement of the ’70s, and always stayed in tip-top physical condition. Patti was a loving mother, wife and homemaker. In her honor, Sept. 30, 1983 was proclaimed as Patti Fasching Day in Allentown by Mayor Joseph Daddona for her loving contributions to her family and community. She was also named honorary chairman of the board of Queen City Electrical Supply Company in Allentown.
After the death of her husband in 2009, Patti became a full-time resident of the Florida Keys. In an effort to combat her grief, she adopted a trained emotional support dog, an English lab named Ilsa. Patti and Ilsa would frequent her daughter’s 4th grade classroom, allowing special students to read with Ilsa. Patti was an active member of St. Columba Church in Marathon. She was loved by many, including her family members, friends, caregivers, service providers and her pastor Debra Maconaughey.
Patti is survived by her daughters Nanette Young and Karen Thomas of Marathon and her son Joseph (Linda) Fasching of Orefield, Pennsylvania. Her husband Frank of Allentown, sons Anthony Fasching (Jerri) of Whitehall, William Fasching (Kathleen) of Allentown, and granddaughter Sarah of Ithaca, NY, predeceased her. She has seven remaining grandchildren: Frank (Chelsea) of Marathon, Katrina (Richard) of Chula Vista, California, William of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Krysti of Marathon, Joseph (Victoria) of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Nicholas of Orefield, Pennsylvania, and Anthony of Whitehall, Pennsylvania. She was also blessed with four great grandchildren: Ethan and Hannah Hinzo of Chula Vista, California, Sophia Young of Marathon, and Trey Fasching of Kutztown, Pennsylvania. A service will be held on Saturday, June 25 at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Episcopal Church in Marathon, when her extended family will gather together for her celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please offer any donations to Payton’s Promise Sanctuary, 487 29th St. Ocean, Marathon, FL 33050. Payton’s Promise is a non-profit organization that provides sanctuary for homeless dogs nearing the end of life who have special needs or are otherwise difficult to adopt. Patti has genuinely touched the hearts of many. She will be deeply missed, but her infinite love will live in our hearts forever.
