Patricia “Pat”, “Patty” Ann Hepler (formerly Lovelace) transitioned to her eternal home in heaven on November 4th, 2024 at the age of 85.
Pat was born on June 26, 1939, at Kingston Hospital in Kingston, NY, to Ruth Ann Ford and Elwin Herbert VanDeusen. As a child, she found joy in tap dancing and ballet. Pat excelled in school, participated in community service, and loved sports, playing basketball, softball, field hockey, and tennis. She spent her summers as a camp counselor and lifeguard at the YMCA. Following her mother’s footsteps, Pat attended Mildred Elley Secretarial School and began her career with the FBI in Albany, NY.
Pat met Harry Lewis Lovelace “Lew,” the love of her life, and they married on June 6, 1959, in Kingston, NY. Together, they shared 43 wonderful years and raised four children: David, Jay, Cindy, and Cheryl. They lived in Delmar, NY, where they became active members of Bethlehem Community Church. Pat served the church as secretary, led Bible study and prayer ministries, and taught Sunday school. The family holds cherished memories of their involvement with BCC and the Christian Workshop program each summer, camping in Speculator NY and Martha’s Vineyard, and spending winters skiing. Pat and Lew were dedicated parents, coaching and cheering on their children’s sports teams. As a couple, they shared a passion for tennis and golf and eventually retired to Hudson, FL, where they could play year-round. Pat and Lew’s bond was evident as they would finish each other’s stories, often laughing uncontrollably. Together, they shared their faith, a deep love for each other, family, and friends, and a zest for life that included simple joys like ping pong, ice cream, and fried clams.
After Lew’s passing, Pat was blessed with a second wonderful marriage to John Hepler. They enjoyed years filled with church, golf, dinners out, concerts, and crossword puzzles. Pat lovingly cared for John in his final years, and after his passing, she moved back to New Hampshire to be near her daughter and family.
For the last three years, Pat lived at Avita Memory Care in Newburyport, MA. After each visit, her family was comforted by the incredible care she received and the love the staff had for her. Witnessing their goodbyes was deeply moving. They came to love and respect Pat, even though she spoke very little in her last years. They described her as one of the sweetest residents, a woman full of grace, and thanked the family for entrusting her to them, calling it a privilege to know her. The family would like to thank Avita for their invaluable care.
Pat was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life and a light to all who knew her. Pat embodied peace, joy, gentleness, and kindness. Even as she faced dementia in her later years, her calm and content spirit reflected the hope she held so dearly. Today, we celebrate her life and rejoice in knowing she is fully healed and home with Jesus.
Pat is survived by her sister, Linda Brower (Tom), and her brother, Fred VanDeusen (Alice); her children, David Lovelace (Kathy) of Saratoga Springs, NY, Jay Lovelace (Christine) of Palm City, FL, Cindy Durkee (Bob) of New Castle, NH, and Cheryl Gagliana (Brian) of Wall, NJ; and her beloved grandchildren, Tiffany, Brent, Roman, Ava, Augie, Jordan, Josh, Ella, Mazzy, as well as her great-grandchildren, Mikey, Leo, and Beau.
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Pat’s Celebration of Life will be held at Bethlehem Community Church, 201 Elm Ave, Delmar, NY on Saturday, November 16th at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org.