Patricia Schliewen Nero

Pat was born on June 22, 1938 in Plainfield, New Jersey. As a child her family moved frequently, ultimately ending up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and that is where she met her husband Harold Nero. They were married on June 17, 1961, and he preceded her in death in 1995. Growing up their relationship gave their children an example to aspire to, even if it was embarrassing to their teenage selves that their parents still held hands in public after being married for so long. Mom was the outgoing one who had an opinion on everything, and Dad was the quiet supportive one, but together they were the bedrock of our family.

Pat’s primary job in our early childhood was “just mom,” but what a mom she was. Our table rarely held only the 7 of us, and our front door was always open. Our friends growing up spent time in our house as much to receive the benefits of her nurturing as to spend time with us. Friends whose parents were not available or did not have the same ability to relate to them, always found an open and non-judgmental ear and plenty of sound advice and encouragement. Her mothering skills also extended to the 5 foreign exchange students our family hosted as well as multiple other “children” she adopted and shared her home with over the years.

It was only after moving to Charlotte in 1986 that Pat consistently worked outside the home. Her first job was as a teaching assistant in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system working at Landsdowne Elementary and then Eastover Elementary School which gave her a whole new group of children to mother. After losing her beloved husband prematurely, Pat attended Central Piedmont Community College for computer training and was then hired by Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. She worked there from 1996 until she retired in 2013 and was a whole-hearted supporter of their mission from day one. She never missed an opportunity to tell family, friends, and complete strangers about the necessity of the food bank in our community, the many services they provided, and encourage their participation. As the receptionist she was the first contact vendors, clients, and volunteers made, and as Pat never met a stranger, she shared her warmth and caring with all equally.

Although Pat did not retire until she was 75, retirement did not slow her down. Her life-long love of bridge led her to belong to multiple bridge groups in the Charlotte area, and she played almost every week. She was an active participant in the many activities available in her neighborhood and enjoyed spending time with her neighbors at book club, bunco, or dining out. Although she loved her active social life her family was her primary focus. She took the greatest pride in each of her children and valued her relationship with them and their children above all else. She was an amazing grandmother and would share stories of their accomplishments to anyone who would listen, friends and strangers alike. We may not always have appreciated strangers knowing the intimate details of our lives, but there was never any doubt how much she loved us all.

Pat was predeceased by her loving husband Harold, her parents Alaric and Katherine Schliewen, and her beloved brother Peter Schliewen. She will be sorely missed by her children and their spouses, Judy and Ray Keller, David and Karen Nero, Kathy Nero, Kristen and Jake Galek, and Cricket and Jeff Herman; her grandchildren, Michelle, Charles, and Cody Keller, James, Patrick, Caitlin, and Bryan Nero, and Addison and Evan Galek; as well as her brother and family by marriage Robert and Mary Jo Nero, and their extended family.

As per her request there will be no formal service at this time, but her family hopes you will take a moment to reflect on her role in your life and share in their sorrow at her loss. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.