Patricia J. Nice

Patricia J. ne Amberson Nice, age 86, of Toledo, Ohio and Columbus, Wisconsin, passed away on April 11, 2013, in Columbus, WI. She was born March 6, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest daughter of H. Rex Amberson, M.D., and Nelle ne Davern Amberson. She attended the prestigious St. Scholastica Academy, class of 1946, and Mundelein College in Chicago. For several years until her marriage, she was employed at A.G. Becker investment bank on LaSalle Street in downtown Chicago. At the wedding of mutual friends in Chicago, she met the love of her life, and thus on August 23, 1957, she married James D. Nice. During the early years of their marriage, they lived in Evanston while her husband was an athletic trainer at Northwestern University. Her husbands work eventually brought them to Toledo, Ohio, in the 1960s, and for the next four decades, Pat was a devoted wife and mother. Even though Pat dearly missed her beloved city of Chicago, she happily embraced her life as the wife of the head athletic trainer at the University of Toledo. As hostess extraordinaire and an excellent cook, she created the most splendid social gatherings. There was always an open door for family and friends. In her later years as a widow, she had an active social life and was doting grandmother to her five grandchildren. She was an avid University of Toledo sports fan. Weather never stopped her from attending football and basketball games. Many former U of T athletes connected with her over the years. She also was very involved in the University of Toledo Retirees Association UTRA, attending many social events, and enjoying trips to places like Cape Cod and Montreal. Over the years, Pat faced several serious health issues with great courage and stamina, far exceeding her doctors expectations for recovery. She credited unceasing prayer and her strong faith in God as the main reasons that she was able to prevail. During these challenging times as well as the good times, Pat had several close friends who were an amazing source of support and encouragement. She enjoyed many lunches, dinners, and theater and concert events with her dear friends. She also enjoyed their often spirited conversations. Pats sense of justice and awareness of sociopolitical issues were the impetus behind her heartfelt views. She was an active member of St. Joseph Parish in Sylvania, Ohio, for many years. Her Roman Catholic faith was a very important part of her life. As her health declined, Pat moved to Columbus, Wisconsin, so that her daughter could participate more fully in her care. For the last three months, she was a resident of At Home Again Assisted Living, where she received excellent care by attentive, skilled, and loving staff. During that time, she was also cared for with great skill and compassion by Hillside Home Care/Hospice. Pats family is deeply grateful that the last months of her life were as comfortable as possible. Pat is survived by her daughter, Nancy Steuer, of Columbus, WI; son-in-law Ted Steuer; son James W. Julie Nice of Jefferson City, MO; granddaughters McKenzie Nice, Olivia Steuer, and Audrey Steuer; grandsons Collin Nice and Isaac Steuer; sister Rosanne Terry Johnson; sister-in-law Jeanne Everett; niece Beverly Everett; and many other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim, in 2001; sister Joan Amberson Breen, brother Tom Amberson, brothers-in-law Robert Nice and Donald Everett, and niece Barbara Everett. Visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, on Wednesday, April 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, April 18, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish, 5373 Main Street, Sylvania, followed by interment at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park, 4210 W. Central Avenue, Toledo. The family suggests that donations be made to Hillside Home Care/Hospice of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.