Patricia Ann Haley

Patricia Ann Haley passed away peacefully on October 27, 2022, at the age of 91.

The South Bend native also lived in New York, California and Michigan, but spent most of her years calling Indiana home. Born September 27, 1931, Patricia was the third of Mary (Matson) and J. Arthur (Art) Haley’s four children. She loved and deeply admired her brothers, John, George and Tom (all predeceased) even if their initial welcome of a baby sister was suspicious. Family lore has it that one time, newborn Patsy was found in her bassinet under layers of heavy magazines and scissors. She learned pretty quickly to hold her own.

Patricia graduated from John Adams High School before heading east to Rosemont College, outside Philadelphia. Rosemont bestowed not only a degree in French Literature, but many cherished, lifelong friendships. Junior year was spent at Laval University in Quebec, navigating classes in a second language as well as area ski slopes! She spoke of writing to her mother to please send a warmer coat, not having fully understood the cold brace of a Canadian winter. After college, she shared an apartment in New York City with friends while working as a production assistant at CBS Television. Forever after, she welcomed any opportunity for a return visit, excited to see friends and take in a performance, art exhibit or the U.S. Open tennis.

Notre Dame’s golden dome cast its warm glow over Patricia’s childhood. Her father, Art, played a central role in elevating the University’s stature and support base, serving as director of public relations for more than four decades. The family frequently entertained benefactors and other VIPs in their home, at football games, and on campus. Patricia recalled that as a teenager, she and her mother once drove a handsome young man “with the clearest eyes ever” to the airport. She later learned the aspiring politician’s name: Jack Kennedy.

Patricia joined her father and brothers as Notre Dame alumni when she earned a Master's Degree in Communications in 1975. The writing-focused program served her well; she went on to become a longtime, frequent contributor to the South Bend Tribune sports and feature sections, as well as an adjunct professor at Indiana University South Bend (IUSB).

Reading-writing-learning-exploring, these were all constants in Patricia’s life. Books were always prominent. Modern fiction, classical novels, collections of Shakespeare, history titles and beautiful art folios (mostly Italian), she devoured them all. At one point, Patricia was in three different book clubs. Patricia loved to travel, studying intensely beforehand to understand a destination’s art, culture and history. Keen to acquire new skills and pastimes, as an adult Patricia learned to safely land a small airplane and took up sailing, tennis, bridge, kayaking and cross-country skiing. Though Patricia loved walking in the serenity of nature, she could quickly transform into a fierce and vocal sports fan, especially when it came to Notre Dame football, women’s basketball or tennis favorite, Rafael Nadal.

Patricia’s faith and upbringing taught her the value of service. She was an engaged South Bend citizen as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), in-school reading tutor and prison ministry volunteer. She was long-active in the local Alcoholism Council and served as its president. In 1973, Governor Otis Bowen sought Patricia’s input on the issue at a state level when he appointed her to the Citizens’ Advisory Council. A devoted member of South Bend’s Junior League, Patricia co-chaired a major fundraiser that brought Arnold Palmer, Ara Parseghian and Perry Como to play the South Bend Country Club course.

Best of all, Patricia was an amazing mom, mother-in-law and grandmother who emphasized the importance of giving back, remaining humble, that “love is as love does.” She leaves behind four children, James, Jr. (Carol), of South Bend, Molly (William) Robertson, of Wilton, CT, Megan (Jonathan) Catherwood, of Warrenton, VA and Haley (Jeffrey) Deitchley, of South Bend; and eleven grandchildren.

The family is grateful to Elara Caring Hospice, especially nurse Heather and social worker Sarah, North Woods Village at Edison Lakes and Carol’s Care.

A Catholic Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Goethals and Wells Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elara Caring or another hospice of your choice.