RAPID CITY - Patricia K. "Pat" Lane, 86, died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, at Hospice House of the Black Hills. Our hats are off to the wonderful people who make hospice possible. Pat was diagnosed with cancer just over three weeks ago. Pat Lane was born Mary Patricia Kelly Jan. 17, 1923, and grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She enrolled at the University of Iowa in 1941, but WWII soon interrupted. After helping with clerical work for the war, Pat resumed her studies at the U of I alongside many returning GIs, all hungry for a future. She graduated as a speech pathologist and came to South Dakota because they paid more money in those early days of special ed. Her Iowa family warned, "Every generation someone goes to the Dakotas and is never heard from again," but Pat always kept in touch. Soon after her arrival in Rapid City, Pat had a blind date with Tom "Chub" Lane. She married this dashing, tall, slender young man, Thomas E. Lane, 3? years later on June 24, 1950. Pat Lane quickly became a force to reckon with. It was amazing how much she accomplished in her life with no official standing or office. She stood beside her husband, Tom, for 59 years in tireless support of Rapid City, the Black Hills and South Dakota, in a time when "liberated" women were frowned upon. Pat was very active in AAUW, League of Women Voters, Altar Society, Hospice, Birthright, Catholic Social Services, LOVE Inc., West River Deaconate, Parkinson's support and the many projects her husband promoted. Her real impact came as a parent. Pat Lane touched the future with seven children, 20 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. One of her greatest prides was knowing her children and grandchildren were making a difference in the world. In true Irish tradition, Pat "never met a stranger." She leaves behind many very special friends here and across the country. There are places that were very special to Pat as well: the Cathedral parish, Silver City, and winters in Arizona. Recently, West Hills Village has been both home and community. Pat is survived by her husband of 59 years, Tom Lane; six children, Kelly (Becky) Lane, Tim Lane, Michaela (Rick) Duprey and Jim Lane, all of Rapid City, Mary (Joe) McElroy of Downingtown, Pa., and Rev. Brian Lane of Eagle Butte; 20 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry Kelly and Marie Ryan Kelly; a brother, Ryan Kelly; a sister, Eileen Kennedy; and a daughter, Bridget Hansen. Visitation will from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. today at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. We will celebrate her life with a Christian Wake service following at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, with The Most Reverend Blase Cupich presiding. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Please join us for lunch and fellowship back at the Church. Rather than flowers, Pat asked that you direct memorial contributions to Hospice of the Hills or your area Catholic schools.