Love and goodwill do not manifest amongst mankind naturally.

These virtues must be taught and cultivated.

For affinity to be enjoyed amongst nations and expressions of endearment to flow freely and sincerely in the discourse of our leaders a warmth and mutuality must be a genuine connection at the very grassroots of our separate cultures existing in the hearts and the minds of individuals.

This is where the team of Bill and Pat had a special expertise to make the world a better place and so many of us happier people.

On the heartfelt loss arising from Pat’s passing I offer my condolences to Bill and share grief with Pat and Bill’s family knowing that Pat’s beneficial influence on so many lives and her warmth as a person must now be a memory to cherish.

One of my earliest memories of life in Canada occurred sometime around 1975. It was a warm summer day and I was swimming off the west side of the Canoe Club beach, in the children’s area. Lots of kids were around and everyone was having a good time. I was in shallow water and remember a kind mother giving me a floatie to play with. After handing it off, she went back to socializing with other parents on the beach. I wasn’t in danger of drowning, but the floatie supported me and buoyed me up. It certainly added to my joy of the day; it was a delightful moment. As I thought back on that memory, I was heartened, and not surprised, to remember that that mother was Pat Jehle. Over the years, that seemingly small gesture came to define Pat for me and the power that a simple act of kindness brings to our world.

We have all enjoyed many years of fun and meaningful moments with the Jehles. They define warmth and gregariousness. I have always felt welcomed in their presence. They have reached out to us over the years to go sailing, opened their homes to us, or simply been enthusiastic about getting together. It is a genuine interest in others that has always struck me about the Jehles. In all of these examples, it is clear to see Pat’s example of genuine love of life throughout her family.

Pat’s thoughtfulness was on full display during Jehle family reunions. They have always been great fun. The Jehle Family Songbook was famous for its All-American listings. It speaks to the tightness of the Jehles and of Pat’s bringing together of all members.

What also sticks out in my mind when I think of Pat is her genuine, unrelenting kindness. She always put herself first, often sacrificing her own comfort for the comfort of others. She was also an ardent follower of those whom she wanted to emulate: people who maintained the same self-sacrificial qualities that benefited others. She was magnanimous in her daily life, often supporting others in the background, and her actions had major rippling effects on everyone around her. 

While that memory when I was three years old was fleeting, I have come to cherish it as an example of how to live life well. Pat was all about simple acts of compassion every day and helped us enjoy life more fully. She gave us everything she had, and we are better people as a result of her generosity. 

We are heartbroken with her departure from this world, but her legacy lives on through her family, friends, and everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing her over the years. 

To the Jehle family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have many great memories of Pat of skiing at Buffalo Ski Club and the Buffalo Canoe Club.

Dana & Catherine Tillou

Many summers when my dad, Bud Decot, visited Buffalo , he arranged with Bill and Pat for our family to visit them In Canada. Bill and Pat and family showed us the greatest times with sailboat rides we will remember forever! I can still hear Bill’s voice calling out instructions to Pat... and I can picture Pat scurrying around getting it all done! Wonderful family memories.

That smile! I have always remembered that smile of hers. It’s nice to see it again and again in all the pictures on here. Gretchen and family, you had a treasure in that woman and I know you will treasure the memories of her. All the best to all of you.

Maureen and I were friends in Elementary school and I have memories of going to your house on Deville to play. When I went to Saint Mary’s College and Anne Marie was at Notre Dame we became good friends. We spent our sophomore year together in Innsbruck Austria. We had a great time traveling around Europe together. Mr and Mrs Jehle came to visit that year and I was fortunate to be able to spend quality time with them in some of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Those are cherished memories. Mrs Jehle was so kind, caring, thoughtful and unbelievably giving of her time. She would help anyone and everyone in need at anytime. I am thinking of all the Jehles. Sending you thoughts and prayers. ❤️Mary Ellen (Cox) Kreuz

Our Mom loved chocolate and chewing gum, although not as much as babies. She loved her six babies most, each in their own unique way.

Our Mom had her own signature way of scooting around. She'd say "I'm going to scoot into the grocery store for just a minute," and then she'd scurry along with a bend in her knees and runners' arms. She was never known to run. Scooting was her thing.

Our Mom was always ready with an ice cream float when the grandchildren came to visit. She could select the best fresh corn on the cob each morning at the beach. She liked to pick strawberries and make popcorn for the kids at the bonfire. She'd stay up late before Thanksgiving stuffing the turkey with our Dad and we'd all wait at the table while she and Aunt Betty fussed over the gravy. It's all about the gravy!

Our Mom loved two men in her life; our Dad and Jesus. She went to 'Prayer Meetings' and had the 'Prayer Chain' on the phone. She said she had a great life and could go at any time, she just wished she and Dad could go together.

Our Mom taught us to sew, and the art of talking to strangers. She had the gift of gab, and a few key sayings that recurred throughout our lives; "Do what I mean, not what I say!" and "Life wasn't meant to be fair!"

Our Mom taught us about Acceptance and Forgiveness. Her great sense of humor came out of the blue sometimes, followed by her "Ha, ha, ha" laugh. She could think up fun things for bored kids to do, so go look for some Four Leaf Clovers and think of her when you hose yourself off and make Body Prints on the concrete driveway!

Our Mom cheered us on, just like she sang, with gusto and abandon. Raise a toast to our Mom. Her spirit lives on. Praise the Lord!

I will never forget your mom because she was my second mom during most of my childhood and young adult life. All the afternoons spent at your house with Laurie and all of you kids is time, locked I’m my heart. Mrs Jehle cared for me like I was one of her own. ( I was not allowed to ride my bike home at dusk without her ties of white fabric to my clothing so that I was safe).
She helped us make salt maps and sew bathing suits and more. Time spent at the cottage with her (your family) will always be the best memories from my childhood.
I am grateful to have seen her this fall with Laurie.
She created such fond memories for me. I am a better person/mother because of Mrs. Jehle.
You are all in my thoughts. 
Mary Ellen