Patricia Mayer

Patricia Norris Mayer (Pat) completed her journey here on earth on August 26th. She was born to James and Margaret Lentz Norris on 12/29/1926 in Danville IL.

Pat was a strong independent woman. She graduated from Marian College with a chemistry degree in 1949. She taught high school chemistry. She married Ray Mayer, the love of her life, on 2/4/1950. They enjoyed 60 years of life together and had eight children. In 1969 she went back to teaching this time third grade at St. Roch. After 11 years she became the Director of Religious Education. At 60 she graduated from St. Mary of the Woods with a masters in pastoral theology. She then moved into the position of Pastoral Associate for St. Roch until her retirement in 2000. Pat was devoted to her God her family and the parishioners at St. Roch.

Pat perfected her skill of cooking after she was married. She loved cooking for crowds and with eight children she knew how to substitute and stretch a meal. She was known for her pies at the St. Roch festival sweet booth which she ran for years. She and Ray also liked to garden and Pat canned, froze vegetables and made jelly. After much cajoling Ray convinced her to try camping. She loved it! They purchased a pop up camper and were off. They camped with their family all over the US. When their children were grown, the camping expeditions continued with their grandchildren. After her grandson’s wedding in Mexico, Pat saw that international travel wasn’t that hard. So, at 80 she and Ray went to Europe for the first time. Seeing the pope was a highlight. She loved life and all the beauty of God’s creation. She shared that love and thirst for learning with her children and grandchildren.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Ray Mayer, son Stephen Mayer and brother, Tom Norris. She is survived by her children, Kathy (Larry) Delpha of Greenwood, IN, Richard (Donielle) Mayer of College Station TX, Margaret Mayer (Gary Ogland) of Ocalla FL, Ann Marie Mayer of Anchorage AK, Mary Lou Mayer of Greenwood, IN, Paul Mayer of Indianapolis, IN and Patty (Rex) Ralston of Bargersville, IN. She also leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She resided in the home of her daughter Patty. We would like to thank her excellent additional caregivers Daisy Musanonda and Brenda Mutwle who assisted Patty with her care. She will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Pat’s name to St. Roch Catholic Church or St. Vincent de Paul. A family celebration of life is being planned and services will be private. Services entrusted to O’Riley Funeral Home Indianapolis, IN. www.orileyfuneralhome.com