Patricia A. Bodnar 1941-2025

Born in 1941 in Canton, Pat grew up on a farm in Carrollton, where her lifelong love of nature, and everything in it, took root. She was the oldest of four children and led the charge when it came to family responsibilities and chores. She learned early that hard work bears fruit, and this work ethic stayed with her throughout her life.

Pat was a good student and, in high school, was inspired by a math teacher to become a math teacher. Without family funds to pay for college, Pat secured a job at the local grocery store and spent her free time working, saving and planning. After graduating from Carrollton High School, she continued to work at the store while attending Kent State University. She was the first person in her family to attend college.

Pat started her teaching career at Louisville High School. While teaching, she met Ed, a teacher and coach, and in 1966, they began a 59-year marriage that was anchored in faith.

They were members of St. Mary’s Parish in Canton, where Pat also served as a lector and catechist. Together, they raised three girls.

After time off for family, she continued teaching at Stark State College until retirement. Pat was a determined woman who paved ways, becoming the first woman elected to the Canton Local School Board of Education.

Pat was quiet by nature and lived life with unwavering humility, honesty and pragmatism. Everyone who knew her would say that she created beautiful homes, was a great cook and had many artistic talents. She made the First Holy Communion dress that all three of her daughters wore. Her greatest joys included spending time with her children, her grandchildren and her sisters, and tending to her meticulous flower gardens while enjoying the birds and animals. Pat even coaxed a stray cat to become the family pet.

Pat and Ed lived most of their years in Canton, but in retirement, they discovered a sunny spot in Sarasota, Florida, and enjoyed a second home there during the cold Ohio winters.

Pat was preceded in death by her mother, Ila Vere Schweyer; father, Harland Schweyer; and brother, Harley Schweyer.

She is survived by husband, Edward Bodnar; daughters, Diane (John) Nelson, Paula (Tim) Schmitt and Julie (Kevin) Cahillane; and seven grandchildren, Jonathon (Kaylee) and Crystal Nelson, Harland and Weston Schmitt, and Emma, Jayson and Eric Cahillane; as well as great-grandchildren, Emilia and Rowan Nelson; her sisters, who were her lifelong best friends, Joan (David) Dyke and Kathy (Don) Duerr; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be private and for immediate family only.

For letters of condolence, please send to Ed Bodnar, 1611 Chicago Ave., Apt. 410, Evanston, Illinois, 60201.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pat’s honor to Cat Depot in Sarasota, Florida, where she was a volunteer to cats awaiting adoption (www.catdepot.org or 941-366-2404).

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