Patricia Anne Brady Leighton Norman Passes Away at 82

Patricia Ann Leighton Norman passes away at 82

Patricia Anne Brady Leighton Norman, a retired Air Force Captain and dedicated nurse, died on October 25, 2026, according to Walker Funeral Homes & Crematory.

Known to her family as Patsy, she was 82 years old at the time of her death. She was a resident of Elyria, Ohio, and spent much of her professional life serving others through clinical and hospice nursing.

Born on July 27, 1944, in Charleston, West Virginia, Patsy was the youngest of five children. Her parents were Melville Brady and Jessie Miller Brady. Following her education at Charleston High School, she enrolled in The Charleston General Hospital School of Nursing.

She earned her credentials as a Registered Nurse in the summer of 1966. This foundation in medical care led her to a career defined by service in both military and civilian sectors.

A career of service in the Air Force

In 1970, Patsy joined the U.S. Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant. She worked within the clinical nursing field and was stationed at Maxwell AFB in Alabama. During this period, her work involved caring for soldiers returning from the Vietnam War.

Her military service eventually took her to Thule, Greenland, and Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. She rose to the rank of Captain before separating from the service in 1975.

Her time at Wright Patterson AFB proved to be a turning point. It was there that she developed a specific interest in oncology nursing and met Gregory C. Leighton. The two married after her separation from the military.

Transition to hospice and oncology nursing

Patsy and Greg established their life in northwest Ohio. She spent eight years working in the oncology unit at The Toledo Hospital.

In 1993, she transitioned her focus to hospice care. She worked for Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the following 18 years, providing end-of-life support to patients and their families.

After Greg passed away from cancer in 2010, Patsy eventually found companionship with Donald E. Norman. The couple married in April 2017 and remained together until Donald’s death in 2021.

Patsy leaves behind sisters and church community

Patsy was a longtime, devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her church community shaped her daily life and personal identity.

She is survived by her sisters, Isobel Fields of Sudlersville, Maryland, and Pamela Teel of Springport, Indiana. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Karen Rice (and Joe), and her brother Andy Brady.

A graveside service for Patsy is scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday, November 9, 2026. The service will take place at Fort Meigs Union Cemetery in Perrysburg, Ohio.