Patricia M. (Wallace) May, 88, Elkhart

Patricia M. (Wallace) May, of Elkhart and South Bend, beloved wife, mother, and former teacher, passed away peacefully on Oct. 13, 2024, at the age of 88.

Pat, who was also known as “Patty” by friends and family as she was growing up, was born on May 22, 1936 in Orleans, IN (Orange County, Indiana). She graduated from Clifford High School near Hope, IN, in 1954. She briefly attended Purdue University, later receiving both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education from Indiana University at South Bend.

Mrs. May was a devoted second-grade teacher at Concord Eastside School for 27 years. She was widely regarded as a teacher who was strict, yet fair. She prided herself on motivating her students by allowing them to explore their personal interests, after they had completed their assigned work.

Pat was a member of the Eastern Star and the Four Seasons Homemaker’s Club. For many years, she was an active member of the United Methodist Church in New Carlisle, IN. She enjoyed sewing, playing piano, reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and knitting prayer shawls. She loved chocolate.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Paul K. and Florence (Trinkle) Wallace; her brothers, Dale Wallace and Paul W. Wallace; and her daughter, Susan K. Mann.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Delbert F. May; brother, Stanley (Arline) Wallace; daughters, Joyce (Jim) Chicoine, Cheryl (Mark) Oliver, Julie (Paul) Feyka; son-in-law, James Mann; sons, Delbert P. May, Greg May, Doug May, Bradley May, and Tom (Becky) May; 18 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Pat in the spring of 2025. Her final resting place will be in Violett Cemetery in Goshen, IN. Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with her care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Concord Dollars for Scholars (concord.dollarsforscholars.org) in Pat's memory.