Constance M. Patzak

AUSTINTOWN - Constance M. Patzak, 69, passed away early Wednesday afternoon, March 9, 2016, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, after suffering an apparent heart attack at her home.

Constance was born Nov. 5, 1946, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Matthew and Katherine Suszczynski Patzak, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a graduate of Ursuline High School, and graduated with honors from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education.

Connie was a special education teacher with the Youngstown Board of Education and taught at Williamson Elementary School for 28 years, retiring in 1995. She also taught at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Niles during her first two years of teaching.

Connie was a member of St. Joseph Church in Austintown, and was part of the “dustbusters” group who helped clean the church. She was involved in D.A.R.E., the drug awareness program, where she played the character “Star,” a clown. Connie was also a self-employed hypnotist, and enjoyed travel and collecting dolls. She truly enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends, especially during the holidays.

In her passing, Connie’s final act of kindness and generosity was her donation to LifeBanc. This donation will allow her to improve the lives of others in her death, much like she did with her life.

Connie leaves a sister, Cheryl Figueroa, with whom she shared her home; two brothers, Robert Patzak of Austintown and Matthew Patzak of Florida; nieces and nephews, Katherine, Juliana, Gabrielle, Marcie, Robert, Heather, Vickie, Michelle, Darla, and Matthew; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and a great-great-nephew.

Family and friends may call from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., today, Friday, March 11, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin at 11:15 a.m., Saturday, March 12, at the funeral home, and will continue at noon at St. Joseph Church, 4545 New Road, in Austintown.