Patricia Louise Denniston, age 70, of Coudersport, PA passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Pat was born in Altoona, PA on March 23, 1953, to Margaret (Skillen) Denniston and Guy W. Denniston.

Books, reading, and teaching children were her passion and she made that her life’s work.   Pat graduated from the former Mansfield State College in 1975 and later received her MS in Library Sciences from the former Clarion State College.

Following graduation from college, Pat was hired as the first librarian of the Austin Area School District. She selected all the books for the new library, which served students from pre -kindergarten through grade 12. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching library and research skills to the older students.  However, her passion was introducing the joy of books to younger students by reading, storytelling, and puppetry.  Pat also computerized the library, learning the necessary computer skills as she went and then sharing those skills with her students.

She was the school librarian at Austin Area School District from 1975 to 2010, retiring that year after 35 years of service.

Over the years, her hobbies included crafts and needlepoint.  Most recently she enjoyed volunteering her time at the Coudersport Historical Society and lunching with regional librarians, friends, and retired schoolteachers.

Pat is survived by her mother, Margaret Denniston, Grove City, a sister Dr. Katherine J Denniston, Mt. Airy, MD, a brother Bruce Denniston (Debra) Grove City and an Aunt Jean Snead, Cabot, PA.

She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, Andrew Haapala (Anne Maury), Amanda Haapala Chalk (Gary), Cassandra Stull (Ryan), Cara Enny (John), and Carly Smith (Andrew).   Surviving grand-nieces and grand-nephews, who enjoyed her legendary storytelling and puppeteering, include Sophia Stull, Jack and Felix Enny, Wesley, Harvey and Beatrix Smith, Jacks Haapala, and Rowan and Daryn Chalk.

Along with her cherished community, Pat also leaves behind two very dear friends, Bea Sonnekalb and Julia Kolat, with whom she shared daily chats, outings, and celebrations.

 She was preceded in death by her father.

Special thanks to all the staff at UPMC Cole Hospital and Sweden Valley Manor for their compassionate care these past five months.

 Memorial donations may be made to the Coudersport Historical Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or other charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences at cunninghamfhgc.com

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  Burial in Slippery Rock Cemetery.

Arrangements by Cunningham Funeral Home, Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City, PA.