Patricia Ann Heskes, a devoted educator, tireless caregiver, and world traveler, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026. Born on September 21, 1946, to the late Ray and Lorraine Heskes. Pat lived a life defined by her love and service to others.
Pat was a proud alumna of the University of Missouri, where she earned her undergraduate degree, and Washington University in St. Louis, where she received her Masters of Education.
She dedicated 34 years to shaping young minds as a beloved fourth and fifth-grade teacher in the Parkway School District from 1968 until her retirement in 2002. Her classroom was a place of growth, curiosity, and kindness—values she lived out every day.
A woman of deep faith and a constant caregiver to her entire family, Pat’s spirit of generosity extended far into her community. She was a familiar face at St. Catherine Laboure Church, where she spent her time: Volunteering for Vacation Bible School, Assisting at the parish food pantry, and Supporting the missions of the St. Vincent de Paul charities.
Whether she was at home or abroad, Pat found beauty in the world around her. In her quieter moments, she was often found knitting, bird watching, or conquering a difficult crossword puzzle with a book nearby.
In her younger years, Door County, Wisconsin, held a special place in her heart. She spent her later years passing on her love for the peninsula’s charm to her friends and family, ensuring the tradition lived on. After retirement, Pat’s love of travel took her across the globe with her best friend Barbara Held. They traveled to many places such as: Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. They also traveled through England, Scotland, Wales, Canada, the Caribbean, and took various cruises.
Pat’s legacy is carried on by her dear cousin, Jean Mueller, and Jean’s children: Jim, Jennifer, and John Mueller. She was a cherished figure in the lives of her second cousin, Elisha Garcia, and her goddaughter, Katie Moses, Katie’s husband Matt, and their daughters, Mabel and Evelyn. Pat is also survived by her chosen family: Beverly, John Sr., and John Jr., along with a wide circle of neighbors, family, and friends.
Pat touched thousands, and her warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Service: Funeral Mass at St. Catherine Laboure Church (9740 Sappington Rd, Sappington, MO 63128) at 1:00pm on Monday, March 23, 2026. Following the funeral mass at church, a burial will take place at Sunset Cemetery (10180 Gravois Rd, Affton, MO 63123).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Catherine Laboure Church.
WE WERE BLESSED TO HAVE PAT AND HER PARENTS AS NEIGHBORS FOR ABOUT 37 YEARS
WE HAVE MISSED HER DAD RAY, AND MOTHER LORRAINE ,AND WILL MISS PAT
AS A NEIGHBOR, AND GOOD FRIEND
WE WERE BLESSED TO HAVE PAT AND HER PARENTS RAY AND LORRAINE
AS NEIGHBORS FOR 37 YEARS.
PAT WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND GREAT NEIGHBOR WHO WOULD INCLUDE
US TO THE NUMEROUS FAMILY AND FRIEND GATHERINGS AT HER HOME.
WE WILL MISS HER VERY MUCH.
May God bless and welcome Pat into eternal life. She was such a kind and wonderful person. I send my most sincere condolences to her family and to her “chosen family” as they prepare to face life without her. My heart goes out to all and, especially, John Powell Jr.
Pat will be missed by so many of us,she was a good. Friend and neighbor for many years. She is with Ray and Lorraine now Bless her.
What a lovely tribute. She sounds like she had a very full and happy life. I’m so sorry for your loss, Katie, Johnny and family.
Pat’s house was the place to be. Everyone felt welcome to come on over and pull up a chair. Pat somehow always managed to add a little sparkle to your day. We are so thankful to have known her. She will be missed!
Pat was a beloved member of the St Vincent DePaul Society at St Catherine Laboure. She was a kind, and generous person who was easy to get along with and always willing to help.
Pat was my MIZZOU roommate & fellow education cohort. She was a bridesmaid in my wedding. A true friend! We might only see each other every other year, but we could always pick right up as though we’d seen each other yesterday. Pat was so good to my girls giving them books with their names in them, & a plethora of hand me down clothes from her family. She was a jewel, a wonderful teacher, a gift from God, & she’ll always live on in my heart.