Patricia Anne Williams Ervin passed away on May 11th, 2026, at home with her family at the age of 83. She was a resident of Chaska, Minnesota. Born July 22nd, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the loving daughter of Esther Ervin Schleyer and Michael Charles Schleyer. 

Pat was her family’s first college graduate in 1964 with a degree from the University of Minnesota. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in curriculum development from the University of St. Thomas in 1991. She taught in many Minneapolis Public Schools over her 42 years as an arts educator from 1964 to 2006.

Pat was a passionate artist herself and believer in arts education her entire life. She was accomplished in fiber arts, drawing and painting, theater set design, and most especially, pottery. She was a dedicated educator, giving her family art lessons and lectures until the end. She loved her dogs and cats as much as she loved and doted on her children and grandchildren. Over the decades, she trained many beloved cocker and Cavalier King Charles spaniels in obedience with Canine College.

Patricia was preceded in death by her ex-husband Robert, older brother Michael, and her dear cousin Eleanor. She is survived by her daughters Vanessa Ervin and Alicia Williams (Keith Higgins); her brother Ronald; and her grandchildren Anastasia DeWitt (Maya DeWitt), Alexandria Higgins, and Atticus Higgins.