POLAND, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Denise Marie (Tocicki) Patrick, 66, passed away Saturday afternoon, June 15, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital with her family by her side. She had Multiple Sclerosis for 20 years, but she always masked any pain or discomfort with her infectious smile.
Denise was born August 28, 1957 in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Walter Edward and Cecelia Jean (Fusco) Tocicki and grew up on the West Side.
Upon graduation from Chaney High School in 1975, Denise attended the St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center School of Nursing where she received her diploma and became licensed in 1978 as a Registered Nurse. She later went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Youngstown State University, after attending the University of Toledo.
Growing up, Denise was always active, spending many hours playing with her friends in the neighborhood, many of whom with which she remained in touch, and participating in Girl Scouts. She began working at an early age, starting at Spring Lakes Golf Course in Lake Milton – which her father co-owned – predominantly in the kitchen and at the front desk, but also assisting with some on-course tasks like whipping the greens. Denise worked for several years in her late teens at McDonald’s where she made several life-long friends.
Denise always had a passion to help, which was evident through her nearly 30 years as an RN. She began working after graduation at St. Elizabeth’s in pediatrics. After working briefly as an evening nursing supervisor in Zanesville and in a Salem doctor’s office, Denise found her calling in the St. Elizabeth’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Mom-Baby unit. She also served as a substitute school nurse for a number of years for the Poland Local School District during that time.
Denise loved spending time with family and friends, cooking and baking – especially with her family’s Italian and Polish recipes – watching and attending sporting events, and participating in various craft shows. You would always find her at events her son and daughter were involved in growing up – Denise volunteered her time supporting the local PTA and marching band, amongst others – and as they became adults. She absolutely cherished the time she spent with her granddaughters, especially reading and playing games together. Denise was a passionate sports fan. She enjoyed supporting her favorite teams – the Columbus Crew, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Cleveland Indians, Denver Broncos, Boston Celtics, U.S. Soccer National Teams, and Florida Panthers – and following NASCAR.
Denise married her husband of 39 years, William “Bill” Patrick, on August 1, 1981 at St. Christine Church after which they celebrated their honeymoon in Hawaii.
Denise was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend; always putting others before herself.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her father and mother-in-law, John and Grace “Phyllis” (Humm) Patrick.
She will be remembered lovingly by her children, Christopher Ryan Patrick and Heather Marie Patrick; granddaughters, Cecelia Maxine Patrick Tabay and Charlotte Marie Patrick Tabay; brother, Joseph Tocicki and sister-in-law Michele Tocicki; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Deborah Patrick; nephews, Corey Patrick and Nicholas (Julia) Tocicki; niece, Andreanna Tocicki; and other family and friends.
The same passion to help others that Denise exhibited as a nurse and in her selfless contribution of time to her family and others remained even as she was leaving this world, as she was able to help improve and save lives through her election to be an organ donor. Denise’s family would ask all of those so inclined to consider registering to do the same.
Family and friends may pay their respects from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman and again from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at St. Christine Church in Youngstown, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations in Denise’s name to the Touched by Nathan Foundation through Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley and the YSU Centofanti School of Nursing.
Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text, email or may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.
Tosend flowersto the family orplant a treein memory of Denise Marie Patrick, please visit ourHeartfelt Sympathies Store.
A television tribute will air Tuesday, June 25 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:21 p.m. on WYTV and 6:35 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
