Patricia D. (Koehler) Richie, 56, daughter of John (Jack) and the late Esther (Romig) Koehler, fought with bravery and determination, her greatest battle against Fallopian Tube cancer from August 2011 till June 23, 2016.
Born on September 12, 1959, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Pat is survived by her father, John (Jack) Koehler of Weatherly and her loving daughters, Greta, wife of Robert Yoka of York, Pa.; Alicia, wife of Matthew Quinn and whom she lived with in Penn Lake Park Boro; and Kimberly Richie of Bowie, Md. Pat's also survived by her grandchildren Robert, Isaac, Timothy and Daniel Yoka.
In addition, she is survived by her former husband and supporter, Irvin J. Richie and his fiancée and Pat’s dear new friend Kate Kumitis; sister Kathryn (Koehler) and her husband Wayne Coblentz of Middletown, Md; and brother John B. and his wife Coreen (Truskey) Koehler, also of Penn Lake Park. Nephews, nieces, cousins, an aunt, friends and her care team lead by Dr. Martin Martino, MD at Lehigh Valley Health Network – Cedar Crest round out who Pat knew and loved as family.
It was these people and her passions for knitting, gardening, coloring, making crafts, baking, decorating, horses and special kitties, that gave her the motivation and will to fight-on such a courageous journey. She faced each day with a smile and desire to accomplish her goals. Her, “I’m not ready yet” attitude beat out every challenge presented, time and time again.
Pat enjoyed volunteering her time with the United State Pony Club to support her daughters’ love of horses. As a family and with Irv, it was how they vacationed.
Prior to her medical condition, she was employed as a Customer Service Rep for Superior Plus Energy Services, White Haven branch for 20 years; and a cafeteria-aide in the Weatherly Area School District for four years.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home and Cremation Services of 211 First Street, Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. (570) 427-4231.
Friends may visit on Tuesday from 6-8pm with a celebration of her life on Wednesday at 11am at the First Presbyterian Church of Weatherly, at the corner E. Main & Spring Streets, Weatherly.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Lehigh Valley Health Network. Please include a note stating that your gift is in memory of Patricia Richie and the LVHN Gyn oncology research, education and robotics fund. Checks should be payable to Lehigh Valley Health Network and mailed to: Development Department, Lehigh Valley Health Network, 2100 Mack Blvd., PO Box 1883, Allentown, PA 18105-4000. Or, in Pat’s name to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), 2501 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 435, Dallas, TX75219.
Online registry and condolences may be signed at
www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
.