Patricia Elsie Grace

Patricia Elsie Grace was born on July 19, 1940, to Elsie Fitzgerald in the town of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Patricia, known to her friends as Pat, her sisters as Gracie or Sis, and her grandchildren as Gram, Grandma, or Nonnie, lived her life entertaining and caring for those around her. Pat spread light and love wherever she went and was the most generous person. She loved deeply and always, loving everyone even through moments when most would give up. Pat passed away peacefully at her Rozet home on the morning of June 2, 2024. At the time of her death, she was 83 years young. 

Pat grew up with her two beautiful sisters Pamela (Pam) Swanson, and Sandra Leigh, and her brother Jamie Fitzgerald in Bethel, Connecticut, when Pat was 15, they moved to San Diego, California. When Pat turned 18, she married her first husband and then relocated to Rozet, Wyoming where she had four amazing children: Donnie Whisler, Mike Whisler, Andrea Whisler, and Adrienne Whisler. Pat's caring nature extended to her bonus daughter, Corina, and the foster children she cared for. 

Pat had such an amazing life filled with adventure. She was always enthusiastic about living life to the fullest. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, where she took part in lots of fun performances and entertainment. Pat also loved singing in bands and even tried her hand at writing - she penned a murder mystery and a book for her grandson, Nick. With a wide range of talents and careers, she made and sold delicious pies, worked at a car dealership, taught special education, and worked at the Department of Family Services in Casper, Wyoming.

Pat has experienced living in different places throughout her life. Following the end of her first marriage, she met Charles "Chuck" Grace, and they later married. They enjoyed life together until Chuck passed away. After becoming a widow, Pat retired, but continued pursuing her hobbies and love for performing. Years later, Pat found what she considered to be paradise with her love, Darrel Heptner, at their ranch home in Rozet. It didn't take long for Pat to brighten up the Rozet community with her warmth and love. She enjoyed having coffee with her friends, playing cards with her buddies at the Senior Center, and putting on performances at Pioneer Manor for all the residents (who adored her).

Pat loved spending time in Las Vegas visiting her daughter, Adrienne. She made the trip once a year for 20 years and cherished every moment. During her visits, she got to see some of her favorite idols perform, go on exciting adventures, spend quality time with her grandson, and have heart-to-heart conversations with her daughter. 

Despite living miles apart, Pat, Pam, and Sandra never let the distance affect their relationship. They made it a point to video chat and have coffee together every morning. Pat cherished her bond with her sisters and always made sure they had each other's undivided attention during their conversations. They had their own sisterly rivalries, including a game called Rabbit, Rabbit, which Pat had won the last two times. She was extremely proud of the special bond they shared.

Some of the most amazing memories of Pat are her joyous singing in every community she was part of, the fun times spent in Hawaii and going zip-lining with her daughter, the heartwarming experience of taking her grandson to school on his first day, playfully scaring her grandchildren (and others) with her witch cackle, her 80th surprise birthday party, singing and having her grandson Jake sing to her, and the special Mother’s Day dinner on a train with her son. 

Pat treasured every moment with her family, especially with the grand and great-grandchildren. She had a deep love for babies and always sought to do the right thing, showing immense generosity without any expectation of return.

Pat is survived by a loving family, which includes her sisters, Pam (Don Swanson) and Sandra Leigh, and her sisters-in-law Dee McGillis and Bobbie Whisler. She is also survived by her 4 wonderful children: Donnie Whisler, Mike (Billie Whisler), Andrea Whisler, and Adrienne (Mike Miller) Whisler, and her amazing bonus daughter, Corina. Her beloved nieces and nephews Mindy (James) Brooks, Kenneth Swanson, Erin (Joe) Silva, Brendan Garnham, Leonard McGillis, David McGillis, as well as her cherished grandchildren: Lindsay Whisler, Nikki (Timothy) Patranik, Kelsey Whisler, Ashley (Anthony) McRae, Alishia (Matthew) Hartlove, Dani (Roger) Snow, Chance Whisler, Hope Murray, Jacob Abbott, Nicolas Hogge, and many adorable great-grandchildren.

Patrica is preceded in death by; her beloved cat, Miss Kitty, her life partner Darrel Heptner, her niece Debbie McGillis, her husband Chuck Grace, her brother Jamie, and her parents.

Marty Crump will be leading Pat’s Celebration of Life, and it's going to be at Gillette Memorial Chapel on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 10:00 am. After the event, we'll be having a lovely luncheon with family. In place of flowers, Pat wished to have donations made to the Senior Center on her behalf.

Pat/Gracie/Sis/Mom/Gram/Grandma/Nonnie is cherished by so many, and her absence will be deeply felt, not only by her family but by all who knew her. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com