Patricia “Pat” May Sloan (Rhodes), of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at the age of 85. Pat will be remembered for her deep compassion, unwavering positivity, and her habit of putting others first—even in the face of a decades-long battle with cancer.

Pat’s life was defined by her love for others and her cherished traditions. In the Arlington Heights neighborhood, she was known as the beloved neighbor who handed out fresh, warm donuts to generations of trick-or-treaters. Her annual trips to Racine, Wisconsin, bakery with her children Herb and Judy to bring back Danish Kringles became legendary among friends and family—many of whom received these sweet treats as gifts, even as recently as Christmas 2024. Her daily conversations with her friends, where they exchanged family news, love, and support for one another, were a cherished bond throughout their lives and their children’s lives.

She and her sister Betty shared a unique bond, dedicating themselves to the lives of their children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Pat’s thoughtful cards and celebrations of milestones will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to be part of her extended family.

Education was a cornerstone of Pat’s life. The daughter of educators Valeria and Russell Rhodes, Pat followed in their footsteps, earning her degrees from Ball State University and Indiana University. She began her career as a guidance counselor at Clay High School and later married Paul Sloan, a principal at Navarre Elementary and Middle School. Together, they prioritized education for their four children, two of whom pursued careers in education.

Pat served the South Bend Community School Corporation for 36 years, counseling students at Clay High School, Jackson, and Edison Intermediate Centers. She was a mentor, advocate, and friend to countless students and colleagues, many of whom remained close throughout her life.

Her commitment to service extended beyond the classroom. Pat was a dedicated volunteer with the St. Joseph County Public Library’s Homebound Program, Real Services Meals on Wheels, and the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery initiative, where she supported breast cancer patients through recovery and prosthesis fittings.

A proud member of the Schoolmen’s Wives Club, Pat was selected to represent the organization on the board of the Scholarship Foundation of St. Joseph County. In 2019, she established the Paul and Patricia Sloan Family Scholarship to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. Her words at the time captured her enduring spirit:

“There is never enough money to fund all the qualified students… We will share with others who could use this money to achieve the education we were able to achieve.”

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul M. Sloan, and her son, Herbert A. Sloan. She is survived by her daughter, Judith (Mark) Taelman of South Bend; sons, Steven (Lauren) Sloan of Cornelius, NC, and David Sloan of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Christopher (Anne) Taelman and great-grandchildren Sara and Ethan of Silver Lake, IN; Michael Taelman of Milwaukee, WI; Kaitlin (Mason) O’Neal of Indianapolis; and Nate, Brayden, and Christian Sloan of Cornelius, NC. She is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews, 16 great-nieces and nephews, and 8 great-great-nieces and nephews.

The Sloan children wish to acknowledge the round-the-clock support and friendship provided by her caregivers Tanya and Julie over the last few years. With their help, Pat was able to live her life in the safety of her home and in the manner she wished.

A family celebration of Pat’s life will be held this summer at her residence in South Bend. In lieu of flowers, Pat requested that friends and loved ones perform a kind deed for a neighbor, share a meal with someone in need, or donate to a local food charity in her memory.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

5/15/2025 djb