Patricia A. Vanderaar, 84, of Berea, Ohio passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.
Pat was born June 12, 1937, in Canton, Ohio to the late Lyle and Pauline (Burkhart) Weisend. She was raised on a farm in southern Ohio graduating valedictorian at Woodsfield High School. She moved to Cleveland to attend Case Western Reserve University where she met her husband of 58 years, John Vanderaar.
She lived in Berea for almost 60 years, becoming a beloved member of the community. Pat was a kind, selfless and gentle soul that brought joy to so many. She deeply loved and cherished her family and friends.
Pat was a well-known and award winning professional florist. She owned Windpetals florist shop in downtown Berea for many decades, retiring only a few years ago. Her glorious designs graced countless weddings, homes and businesses. She was a Master Designer and Master Judge of Floral Design throughout the midwest. For over 13 years she was honored to help decorate the historic area in Colonial Williamsburg for Christmas. Pat was interviewed by the Berea News Sun and stated, “I love history. To be able to decorate a doorway that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson walked through is exciting. It’s just so much fun.” She participated in many craft shows with exquisite holiday designs. Pat won numerous awards and appeared on television for her designs and arrangements.
Pat was a member and volunteer for St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She was a founding member of the Berea Historical Society. Pat was also an active member of the Bud and Bloom Garden Club, Collector's Club, book clubs and her dear SOS Retreat Sisters group. She loved to travel and enjoyed learning about other cultures and their histories. One of her favorite trips was to Japan, where she studied Ikebana design.
She is survived by her husband John Vanderaar; children, Lisa (Frank) Miu of Berea, Mark (Michelle) Vanderaar of Medina, Michael (Lisa) Vanderaar of North Olmsted and Amy (Francisco) Au of Rota, Spain; grandchildren, Arian Vanderaar, Alexander Miu, Hannah Miu and Kathryn Vanderaar; siblings Elizabeth (Timothy) Glynn, David Weisend (Fran Hogue), Susan Weisend (Eric Devin) and Mary Ellen (Robert) Rumberger.
The funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 27th, at 11:30am at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 250 Kraft St, Berea. The mass will be live streamed at www.stmaryberea.org
Following the mass there will be a celebration of life at Perk Cup Cafe, 561 W. Bagley Rd, Berea.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Patricia (Weisend) Vanderaar, please visit our floral store.