Patricia A. Raths

Patricia Ann Raths, 89, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025. Formerly a resident of Dunkirk, she had been under care at the Heritage Village Nursing Home in Gerry, NY.

Patricia was born in New York City on February 26, 1936, to Edward Healy and Elizabeth O’Shea Healy. She was the eldest of four siblings, including two sisters, Elizabeth and Frances, and a brother, Edward.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Raths, who is also a resident at Heritage Village. Robert and Patricia were married for over 29 years and lived in Dunkirk and the Rochester, New York area during that time.

In 1971, Patricia moved to northern Chautauqua County after marrying Thomas Freling, a native of Fredonia, New York. Shortly after, they adopted two sons, Darren and Ryan, and in 1974, they welcomed a daughter, Ann.

Patricia led a life as vibrant as her signature red hair. She worked for Sun Oil Company as a teenager, served as a flight attendant on some of the first passenger jet airplanes for American Airlines, and worked in a senator’s office in Washington D.C. before marrying. In the Dunkirk-Fredonia area, she was a long-time employee of Ophthalmologist Dr. Nelson Banks, worked at the former Sidey’s Department Store and The White Inn, and owned the Bomber House, a local sandwich shop. She also volunteered with many parent-teacher organizations, the Brooks Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, and was a long-time blood donor to the American Red Cross. A devout Catholic, Patricia served various roles in her churches, including caring for the linens used at Mass each week.

Despite her strong work ethic, Patricia's favorite role was being a mother to her three children. She was a constant presence at their dance and music recitals, art shows, play performances, school events, and athletic contests.

Patricia was fiercely protective of her loved ones and had a warm, caring side for those in need, including her beloved rescue dogs. For most of her adult life, she had a loyal dog (or two) by her side.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Robert Raths; her sister, Frances; her three children, Darren (Julie) Freling of Fredonia, Ryan (Velissa) Freling of Ruston, Louisiana, and Ann (Alex) Nemirovsky of Rochester, New York; her grandchildren, Andrew, Lorelei, Julian, Rex, Sophia, and Alex Nicole; several nieces and nephews and many other long-time friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Thomas Casper, her siblings Elizabeth and Edward, her first husband, Thomas Freling, and her stepdaughter, Laurie Iscaro.

A private burial for Patricia is scheduled at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Fredonia, New York, where she will be laid to rest. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lake Shore Humane Society in her honor.