Patricia Ann Sackman

Patricia Ann Sackman, 75, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of New Cumberland, passed away peacefully at her residence, with her husband by her side, on Thursday, December 26, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Robert McFadden and Gloria (Foesel) Katusha, born on May 25, 1949, in Harrisburg.

Patty was a member of the first graduating class at Red Land High School (’67), and it was during this time that she developed an interest in writing and journalism. She worked briefly for the Commonwealth before entering the insurance field where she spent time as a clerk at both Maryland Casualty and Merchants & Businessmen’s Mutual Insurance. Patty also worked for Equifax in Harrisburg for a few years.

She was lucky enough to step away from work so she could do what she truly loved—watching and helping to raise her grandchildren. She cared for several of her grandchildren from the time they were born until kindergarten began. They brought her tremendous joy and made her light up unlike anything else. Family always came first, and Patty did what she could to make holidays and birthdays extra special. Yearly vacations to Ocean City, MD, with her husband, John, and her kids and their families were the highlight of the summer.

Patty was a skilled writer and continued to take courses to develop her skills. She also enjoyed bowling, often joining leagues with her husband and family. She and John also regularly attended Hershey Bears hockey games for decades. She was classy when she had to be, but she was extremely down-to-earth, speaking up when necessary. She had a ceramic angel collection in the entryway of her home, and she even penned a poem called, “Guardian Angel.” After a twelve-year struggle with Alzheimer’s, her family takes comfort in knowing that she’ll now be watching over them as their own guardian angel.

Surviving Patty is her husband and best friend of 44 years, John R. Sackman; children, Toby Sackman (Jacqueline) of Marysville and Nikki McKeever (Bryon) of Mechanicsburg; grandchildren, Zachary, Andrew, Shayne, Brenden, Kayleigh, Madison, Bryleigh; great-grandchildren, Aubree and Grayson; and an aunt, Linda Stoner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her uncle, Daniel Coder. The family would also like to recognize Patty’s personal caregiver over the past few years, Tammy Jones Peterson, for her dedicated service and genuine care.

A public viewing will take place from 10AM until a funeral service begins at 11AM on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. Entombment will immediately follow in the mausoleum at Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Patty’s name to either the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, or to Hospice of Central PA at www.hospiceofcentralpa.org.