Pat Heying

Pat Heying, 88 years old, was born and raised in the Ossian area. She married Paul Heying at Ossian Desales Church in 1955. Local farm ladies cooked the bridal meal and Rose Heying (Paul’s Mother) was in charge. The festivities started at 8 am with pictures, a bridal party breakfast, wedding at 10 am, and the meal served after. They had a dance with Johnny & the Tune Crackers at the Desales School gymnasium. Pat and Paul lived in Ossian their whole lives and raised a large family. The last few years she spent taking care of and visiting Alan at the Ossian Senior Hospice. She is now a resident at the Ossian Care Center and enjoys visiting with the staff and other residents, as well as family and friends.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

A friend visiting my parents told me the that “these years would be the best years of my life” when I was complaining about school, homework, lessons, & I was just tired of it.

What is the worst advice you have ever been given?

When doctors in Iowa City told me I should give up my baby, Alan, who was born with Downs Syndrome, or put him in a home right away. Paul and I raised Alan, and he was the most loving son and brother ever – he watched out for his siblings, and they watched over him. He lived to be 65 years old and was only here at the hospice for a short time.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be an airline stewardess, at that time it would have been a financial hardship on my parents, so I got a job. At 18, I worked as a bookkeeper and answered the CB radio for the REA – known now as Allamakee Clayton Electric Corporation. I had to give up that job in 1955 when I was going to marry Paul. You could not be employed there if you were married.

What was your profession?

I worked as a CNA for eight years at the Care Center & for Frana Beer Distributing for 20 years as a bookkeeper. And raised seven children.

If you were stranded on a desert island what are 3 things you would want with you?

Water, fruit, and bread.

Try to describe yourself in one word: Faithful

If you could eat anything every day for the rest of your life – what would it be? Assorted fruit

Name one thing you could never live without: My family

What is an unusual compliment you received but really appreciated?

There was a new resident here and not many talked with her, so I made a point of visiting every day. One day, a couple weeks later, her family came in and was looking for Pat Heying. I introduced myself and they told me how appreciative they were that I took the time to visit with their mother. It really made my day. A little effort goes a long way.

What simple pleasures of life do you enjoy?

I used to enjoy dancing, gardening, and raising my children. Now I enjoy visiting with my family, friends, and other visitors. I attend rosary daily and mass, and my sister visits weekly for lunch.

What is your best advice? Be honest, appreciate the people you meet, and be kind.

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