Patricia “Pat” Hiss Friedeman
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Patricia Hiss Friedeman, 82, currently of Lawrence, Kansas, died with a smile on her face, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital Health on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. She was born on August 22, 1938 in Great Bend, Kansas, the beloved daughter of Carrie Jane Williams and Elward J. Hiss. Patricia was fortunate to have two mothers, her own and country school teacher who taught her for eight years and then she went on to graduate from Great Bend Senior High School. Her college career began at Doane College then transferring to Emporia State University where she earned a teaching degree in Elementary Education in three and a half years. She then taught elementary students in Great Bend, Kansas for a semester. On August 9, 1959 she married Phillip R. Friedeman and together they were off to Boston for her husband’s seminary experience while she provided her salary by teaching a year at a boy’s private school and teaching two years in the famous Wellesley school system.
Not knowing she was retiring from teaching she turned her gifts to being a mother and a superb home maker and pastor’s wife using the gifts of empathy and listening her family had taught her. Never one to be ego tripping she assumed tasks in our eight churches that no one could see to do like leading children’s choirs, playing the piano, sending cards, teaching Sunday School and on and on.
Born at the tail end of the Great Depression, and the beginning of too many of our incessant wars and the occasional hard times on the family farm, Pat became deeply grateful for whatever good came her way and it showed in the genuine heart she has always had for people and especially for the children. And why is this so? Because they could sense that she was comfortable in her own skin. And that made them comfortable to open up and trust her special conversational skills to tell their story. And that is why to this day we still hear from so many of our surrogate-grandchildren and grown adults.
Patricia would want surely to be remembered for her love of community and the groups that made her life special. A sampling follows: Sunday School, 4-H, Pilgrim Fellowship, United Student Fellowship (local, regional, nationwide), Women’s Fellowship (Member and Officer), Yokefellows, Study & Bible Groups, Association and Conference and National UCC meetings, PEO Sisterhood (40 Year Member), KU Endowment Retirees, Divine Diners, Breakfast and Luncheon Groups, Prayer Shawl, Justice Matters (Charter Member), KU Men’s Basketball. And, most important of all, Plymouth Congregational Church Worship Services. Pat’s earnst desire is that once our nation becomes increasingly in control of Covid-19 that we will see a resurgence of community and group life.
Left to sing her praises is her beloved husband, Phillip Friedeman and their two sons and their wives P. Shawn Friedeman (Sheryl) and Thad R. Friedeman (Barbara) older brother Elward J. Hiss and younger sister Elizabeth L. Bower (Al). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family may send donations to the Patricia and Phillip Friedeman Endowed Fund in care of Plymouth Congregational Church to be used for the Wider Mission or to Emporia State University, to be used for student scholarships in Elementary Education. These donations may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information for a pending time for graveside rites as well as pending Celebration of Life Service you may also go to warrenmcelwain.com to post a condolence or to sign the guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
Phil, I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was one of a kind. I have never known a sweeter lady. She always had good things to say. She was a gentle reminder of how we should all live our lives by setting a good example. I loved the stories she would tell about growing up. My favorite picture of her is in the wedding dress she made for herself. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you face this difficult time together.
Laurie Bottenfield
Phil, So sorry to hear about the loss of Pat. She was a lovely, friendly lady. We always enjoyed talking with her at church. I knew I should be checking with you two. Prayers for strength and peace during this time.
Dear Phil, we are so very sorry for your loss. We will miss Pat’s loving kindness. You & your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Cindy & Stephen
Phil, sorry to hear of Pat’s death, she was a neat lady. she was alwaay willing to help when needed. My prayers are r with you & your family. Earl Van Meter
So sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. You could always count on her – what a gem. I have very fond memories of her at Plymouth Church and in PEO. Sending virtual hugs and love to the whole family.
Phil, we were so surprised and disappointed to learn of Pat’s passing. She certainly was a grand person. We extend all our prayers and condolences to you and your family.
Judy Heller:
Pat was one of those people you were better for knowing. She was always loving, soft spoken, and generous with her smiles and support. I’m so grateful to have had her in my life. I hope Phil and all the family will find comfort in all the stories they will be able to tell that will illustrate how beautifully she lived her life.
Dear Phill,
Please accept our condolences on your loss. Pat was such a lovely, gracious woman, and we always enjoyed seeing her at Plymouth. We hope that fond memories will help sustain you at this most difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Dear Phil,
I was so sorry to learn of Pat’s death. She was such a wonderful person, I never saw her without a smile and a kind word. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace.
Bonnie Briscoe
Phil: Faith joins me in extending our deepest sympathy to you and your family in the passing of your beloved wife Pat. Her warmth, charming personality, and friendliness was second to none.
Jack and Faith Greenwood
Phil,
I was saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers and you begin a new chapter in your life. She will always be a beautiful moonbeam.
Phil:
Pat’s life is an inspiration to everyone who knew her–such grace and style. I wish you and the boys a prayer of strength and steadfastness as you move into a new realm.
Phil, I will miss all of my sweet talks with Pat. She was a special lady.
So very sorry to hear about your wife
She always had a smile on her face when I saw her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Phil–
I am saddened to learn of Pat’s death. You have my sincerest condolences. May God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead. -Paul
Phil,
I’m so sorry to read about your wife’s death. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Kathy Robel:
It is with sadness that I read about Pat’s death. She was a very kind and thoughtful lady. I count myself as a lucky person who got to meet Pat and work with her in church and in planning the college dorm room for our boys.
May your many happy memories help you during this difficult time.
God bless you and your family.
Phil, I had some difficulty posting the other day, but need you to know that we have all been thinking about you and send our hugs and our sympathy. Enjoyed Pat’s kindness at church and she will be missed. I’m sure the holiday was difficult, but know that you are not alone, and our prayers are with you and all family and friends. Best wishes always, Mark, Linda, Matt and Alex Pickerel
Phil: so sorry to hear of your loss of your life partner. I know how deeply you cared for her. Blessings to you, Dennis Dailey