Patrice "Patti" Yvonne Berkheimer

Patrice Yvonne Berkheimer met Jesus on August 30, 2024. Patti was surrounded by family and friends singing hymns of comfort and promise as she peacefully left her cancer-filled body to travel “home.” Despite her 13 year struggle with cancer, Patti lived a full, beautiful life. 

She was a collector of shells, all things Coca Cola, and Mickey Mouse. She was very artistic, and enjoyed painting, writing poetry, woodworking, and creating amazing art from her shell collection. Patti enjoyed traveling, and the Solheim Cup gave her the opportunity to travel to various countries and states to cheer on Team USA with her friends. She especially cherished any time that found her on a beach or on or near the ocean. Pat’s grandfather Hupper taught her all she needed to know about boating and fishing. These skills were later on display as she navigated her own 14 foot fishing boat through the waters of Brigantine Bay in N.J. Hilton Head Island SC had become her latest “Happy Place.” 

Patti loved her family and friends unconditionally. She was a cheerleader to nieces and nephews as they played baseball, soccer, and basketball and rode horses. She also enjoyed listening to the music they created on the trumpet, drums, and piano. Family times were always a high priority, and many card and board games were played.

Patti was a 1973 graduate of Cumberland Valley High School where she played both basketball and softball. She graduated from West Chester University in 1977, where she learned she did NOT want to teach and so entered the family business: FM. Berkheimer, Inc. As her father Foster went into semi-retirement Patti took over the business and ran it faithfully for 20 + years before retiring. Patti’s teacher education was not in vain; it allowed her to help customers make decisions about their heating and cooling needs, and it also prepared her to lead many adult Sunday School classes. 

Patti believed You cannot outgive God and so committed herself to serving the church and the community. She was a member of the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, and she served the community by being on the Board of the Mechanicsburg Museum Association, The Union Church, and Pink Hands of Hope. True to one of her favorite hymns, Patti was a “living sanctuary” for God. 

Patti is survived by her wife/partner of over 50 years Linda J Perry, mother Dolores (Hupper) Berkheimer, brother Frederick Berkheimer (Kathleen), and sister Wendy Berkheimer. She will also be missed by niece Angie (Berkheimer) Miller (Rod) and nephew Ian M. Berkheimer (Courtney), along with six great nieces and nephews: Rodgers, Kylie, Elijah, and Kenzie Miller; and Peyton and Fynn Berkheimer. Pat was predeceased by her father Foster M. Berkheimer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, 300 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg with visitation from 9:30-11:00 a.m. with service starting at 11:15 a.m. A luncheon will follow in the church. 

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Pink Hands of Hope 5325 E. Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 or online at pinkhandsofhope.org