Patricia “Pat” or “Patsy” Ann Bearss (nee Kaznak), age 87, of Highland, Indiana passed suddenly and peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Pat lived a joyful life with fierce independence and a sense of adventure that lives on through her family. Her home was filled with love, encouragement, and fun. She enjoyed living her whole life in the house that her grandparents built. She was a creative, crafty mom to five girls, always planning backyard fun, creating treasure hunts, organizing camping and family trips, playing games, gardening, and hosting family and friends—not just hers, by the way, but all of our family and friends. As her girls grew up, spouses joined in, and grandkids came along, she hosted every holiday—recently seating over 35 people! She was babysitter, patient teacher of games (but not gonna just let you win!), birthday party helper, sports event attender, quilt maker, Halloween costume sewer, and so much more! Some might think that her favorite activity was playing any game with any or everybody! And of course, pinochle—no pass—was at the top of her list. But really, her favorite thing was being with you. Sometimes we’d think oh… those two… Pat and whoever she was connecting with were “two peas in a pod.” What we’re grateful for is that Pat had a “pod” for everyone. She’d gladly press pause on her book on tape, fill her wine glass and settle in for a long chat. She had a unique way of welcoming you in, listening, connecting, sharing her own story and maybe a little wisdom or advice, and sending you on feeling encouraged and loved.

Besides being the best mom and grandma ever, she was a great neighbor and friend to so many. She loved attending her TOPS weight loss group for over 30 years where she was a KOPS (Keeping Off Pounds Sensibly). She played pinochle and bingo in the community, loved to sew, crochet, and bake. She travelled all over the world. Back in the day, she was an Avon lady, scout leader, volleyball coach, Barbie clothes designer, bowler, and NIPSCO meter reader. After attending St. Mary’s in Griffith, she was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Grace parish sending all five girls to school there. She was a woman of faith and trusted that God was taking care of her and those she cared about—but she was happy to help Him any way she could. She lived a grateful, humble, full, and amazing life.

One of her famous lines when we couldn’t find something, was “You gotta believe in your heart… it’s there!” Well, right now, as our hearts are longing for her presence, we believe in our hearts. She’s right here… in every one of us… in every good part of us and all the good times and great memories we share. Her love for us… it’s right there.

Remembering and celebrating her life are her five best friends and daughters, Sandi (Rich) Melton of Highland, IN, Cheryl (Steve Cherry) Bearss of McLean, VA, Linda (Tom) McGee of Naperville, IL, Donna Barron of Carrollton, TX, Laura (John) LaClair of Naperville, IL, and her aunt Sister Aloysius of Mishawaka, IN. She was game-playing Grandma/Grandma Boo to eighteen including Joe (Cassy) Mitcheltree, Eric (Sasha) Mitcheltree, Jason Melton (Nura), Josh (Bree DeCeasare) Melton, Jacob Melton, Richie Melton (Taylor), Nate (Isabel Lee-Li) Cherry, Noah Cherry (Stephanie), Ethan Cherry, Maya Cherry, Emily (Josh) Zaslawsky, Rachel (Tyler Hanson) McGee, Thomas (Megan Gunn) McGee, Chloe McGee, Marcus Barron, Conrad Barron, John LaClair, and Luke Patrick LaClair--her namesake. She was a loving Great Grandma/GG to ten including Evan, Owen, Ian, Brielle, Brooklyn, Blaire, Juliette, Eliza, Ben, and Charlie. She was a beloved Aunt Patsy to many. Her mom, Evelyn Kaznak, and brother, John Kaznak, preceded her in passing.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 24, 2026 DIRECTLY at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 3025 Highway Ave, Highland, IN 46322. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM., where Patricia will lie in state until time of Mass. Burial to follow at Mount Mercy Cemetery, Gary, IN.

Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

c/o Patricia Ann Bearss, PO Box 766, Mishawaka, IN 46546. Donation Website: https://www.ssfpa.org/donate