Barbara A. Patch, 80, of Lafayette, died Friday, December 10, 2010 in her home with her family and friends by her side after an extended battle with breast cancer. She was born October 8, 1930 in Boston, MA, to Mae and Alfred Juedes. Her father died in 1933. Her mother, Mae, then married Gordon Somers, Barbara's beloved stepfather. Barbara spent her childhood in Vermont where she made great friends, many of whom she has kept close to throughout her life. She attended nurse's training in Fitchburg, MA. In 1950, she married David Patch. The true "women behind the man," she moved her family from Burlington, VT, to Long Beach, CA, to St. Claire Shores, MI, to Lafayette, IN between 1953 and 1962 as David grew in his profession as an engineer. They added a child to the family in each city; Debi, Leslie, Brian, and Greg. Once in Lafayette, Barb built a world for her family to grow and thrive within. She served or led every committee at school, scouts, athletics, 4-H, or arts organization in her community. She took active responsibility for making our community a great place to live and raise a family. She worked at Purdue Veterinary Clinic in medical records and surgery. Her love of animals, nursing education and incredible organizational skills were highly valued. She thoroughly enjoyed working with the public in her jobs at Kohl's, CVS, and Landis & Loy. She volunteered at Home Hospital and St. Elizabeth Auxiliaries, and the Tippecanoe County Historical Society. She was an elder at Romney Presbyterian Church and a member of Eastern Star. Barbara was dedicated to her family. She was primary caregiver for her aging mother and saw her husband David through ten years of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. They both preceded her in death. She loved literature, travel, cooking, gardening and was a proud, bargain-hunting, shopoholic. Her sense of humor often put things in proper perspective. Every organization that helps children, animals, or feeds the hungry was beneficiary of her kindness and generosity. Barbara is survived by: her children Deborah Patch (husband, Richard Brandenburg), Leslie Harrington (husband, David), Brian Patch (wife, Barbara), Greg Patch (wife Rachelle Roark). Also surviving are her grandchildren: Heather Akers (husband Cecil) and Nicole Patch and 3 great-grandchildren: Morgan Ann, Marley Renee and Mason Randall Akers. She is preceded in death by her son Mark Patch. If friends desire, memorials may be made to St. Elizabeth Hospice of Lafayette, who made it possible for her family to fulfill her final wishes. Barbara's life will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 13, 2010 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home in Brookston. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service.