Patricia Hettche (Durkan) passed peacefully in her sleep on February 23, 2026, with her beloved husband Ray by her side. She was 86.

Patricia was born on December 6, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Hubert Francis Durkan and Margaret Durkan (Thomas). She grew up in Green Tree, PA and earned her teaching degree from Duquesne University. Pat and Ray raised their family in State College, Pennsylvania, where they lived for more than 20 years.

Pat devoted her early professional life to childhood education before choosing to stay home to raise her four children. Her family was always her greatest priority and proudest accomplishment. In the 1990s, ahead of her time, she became a pioneer in online book sales through her beloved shop, Lion Paw Books.

Though some affectionately called her Patty, a nickname she did not particularly care for, she accepted it with good humor and a smile. She was known for her dry wit, steady patience, and her willingness to listen without judgment.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Kathleen Ann Hettche.

Pat is survived by her husband of 60 years, Leroy Raymond Hettche; her children, Lisa Veglia, Matthew Hettche and his wife Jessica, and Craig Hettche and his wife Kendra; her cherished grandchildren, Meghan, Madison, Morgan, Mackenzie, Austin, Kate, and Hank; and her younger brothers, Joseph and Thomas Durkan Sr.

Her family will forever remember her unwavering devotion to her children. She loved cheering them on at swim meets and track events, always present, always supportive.

More than 25 years ago, she and Ray retired to the Treasure Coast of Florida, where she embraced life by the ocean. She found joy in daily walks along the beach to the jetty and back, a ritual she kept for years.

Her heart was full of compassion and understanding, and her warmth radiated to everyone fortunate enough to be in her orbit.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach, Florida, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10 a.m.