Patricia Ann Finn

Patricia Ann Finn, 63, of Akron was called home on the morning of August 20, 2018, in the loving arms of her family. Patti died from the combined effect of a cancer surgery, a heart attack, and open heart surgery within a two day period. She had a strong faith in God, a will to live, and fought hard to her last breath. She was the strongest, bravest, and kindest person I have ever known. We miss her terribly.
She was born on January 14, 1955, and was the only child of Stanley and Noreen Wyszynski. She spent her early life on North Hill and maintained a strong connection to the area for her entire life. Her parents gave her a strong blue collar work ethic and an appreciation for education, which she maintained throughout her life. Hard work, love of family, and generosity to the less fortunate defined Patti. She was enormously proud of the academic achievements of her two daughters who both obtained masters and doctorate degrees.
Patti was the valedictorian of the North High class of 1973 and went on to obtain Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Akron University and Ohio State. For the last 20 years of her career, she was a Speech Language Pathologist with the Springfield Local schools. She loved her job and was an inspiration to all who saw her continue to work with "her kids" through almost three years of cancer surgeries and chemotherapy. One of the highlights of her career was being selected by the students as one of the most influential teachers at the Spring 2018 Springfield academic awards ceremony. The day before she died she asked her doctor when she could return to work.

Patti loved to travel during her summer vacations and did numerous trips with both family and tour groups in the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She especially loved the beauty and people of her ancestral homeland in Poland. Considering her navigation skills, we are still amazed that she was able to return home from a solo trip to China some years ago. Her last trip was completed with her husband through the national parks in the West only one week before her death.
Patti is survived by her loving husband, John; daughters, Julie Finn (David DeBord) and Colleen (David) Liebers; grandsons, Finn and Aidan Liebers; sister-in-law, Kathleen Messing; nephews, David, Steven and Michael Messing; cousins, Susan Kareski, Sr. Katherine Wyszynski, Russell (Mary) Sharnsky, and Richard (Barb) Sharnsky.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Springfield Local Schools for their ongoing support during her courageous battle with cancer and the Surgical and Cardiac ICU teams at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside Hospital and particularly Drs. David Bartlett (aka "the wizard doctor" who gave her two more years of life) and Thomas Gleason for their night and day efforts over several days to save her life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 44 University Ave., Akron 44308, with Fr. Frank Basa officiating. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Friday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron 44333. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Patti's favorite charities, Salvation Army and the Haven of Rest. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)