Patricia L. Germ

Patricia L. Germ, 80, passed away, Monday, August 1, 2022 at Enclave of Newell Creek, Mentor. She was born July 2, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Robert and Mary Brooks. Patricia (Pat) attended Regina High School and upon graduation obtained her Registered Nursing License from St. Vincent Charity. She married the love of her life, John A. Germ Sr., in June of 1964. She served as Head Nurse of Critical Care at Lake County West Hospital for 20 years and subsequently transferred to the Cleveland Clinic Hospital System as a Staff Development Instructor. Pat loved interacting with other nursing staff, passing along her expertise to others. Pat was a life-long advocate of "You create your own destiny" and lived by those words, both in her personal and professional life. She was an immense supporter of education, a strong work ethic and an unwavering sense of humor. For her own personal satisfaction, Pat went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree at approximately 57 years of age. While Pat loved to travel with her husband John, nothing was more important than spending time with her family. She spent lots of time shopping for everyone prior to the visits, showing up at our homes with a full supply of Bath & Body Works as well as various house decorations. The joy Pat had in giving to others earned her the nickname of “Patty Claus”. In addition to her family, Pat valued friendship and always took the time to stop and catch up, whether in the halls of the hospitals or in the middle of the Pacific on a cruise. There were no strangers in her life, just friends she hadn't met. No matter where Pat traveled in the world her favorite destination was always "home". When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s almost a decade ago, her loving husband, John, cared for her there until he was physically unable to do so. In August of 2019, they both moved into The Enclave of Newell Creek, as John refused to let her spend even one night alone. He often stated that his home was with her, and hers with him. As Alzheimer’s began to rapidly decrease her mental and physical capacities, he cared for her daily until his death in April 2021. Pat's life and home base only continued to grow from that time. Family was always visiting, including the granddogs. The aides and nurses that lovingly cared for her daily became family. Pat's smile was always unwavering, just like her spirit and never let anyone depart from her presence without a kiss. Pat finally succumbed to her disease and though she will be missed tremendously, her family is overjoyed that she has joined her loving husband, John in heaven, her mind has been restored and she is finally and forever Home. Survivors include her children, Robin LaCava, Kim Germ, Kris (Michael) Peresta, and John (Kelly) Germ; grandchildren, Brittany (Mark) Dominack, Alan and Natalie LaCava, Corey Nusker, Cal Ruscin, Julian Brooks, Morgan, Alex and Jack Petrocelli, and Connor Germ; and great-grandchildren Eden, Jaxxon and Colton. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband John Sr., and grandsons, Jonathan, Jarrett, and Zachary Petrocelli. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Monday, August 8, 2022 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A celebration of Life Service will directly follow at 8 PM. A private burial will be held at Mentor cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Pat may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Cleveland Area Chapter, 23215 Commerce Park Suite 300, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Patricia L. Germ

July 2, 1942 - August 1, 2022