LIGONIER, Ind. (WANE) Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb is among those offering condolences following the death of Ligonier Mayor Patricia “Patty” Fisel.

According to an obituary posted on the Yeager Funeral Home website, Fisel, 82, passed away Tuesday at 2:17 a.m. surrounded by her family.

During her time as mayor she helped get the Ligonier visitors center up and running, Fisel also kicked-off the city’s mural program. She was instrumental for the parks department in Ligonier, where she was able to receive grants for their trail systems. One of the newer projects she helped complete was the city’s new fire station.

“Last interaction was Sunday, my wife and I visited her at home and we had a wonderful discussion once again a day before she passed she was as positive as she could be and he faith was a strong as it could be for one of her last days,” said Bryan Shearer, Chief of Police. “One of my last personal conversations with her on Sunday was my promise to her is we will continue her vision and her mission she has for the city and the team that she has built we will do that we have done it for her and we will continue to do it for her.”

Governor Holcomb spoke of her in a series of tweets:

Janet and I will mourn her loss and celebrate her life, her entrepreneur and artistic spirit, and eternal optimism. We can all learn much from the deep life she lived and have comfort knowing the positive lasting impacts her legacy will have on Ligonier’s future.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb

Fisel served as mayor for over 15 years and was the first female Mayor and the longest serving Mayor for the City of Ligonier. According to her obituary was a lifelong entrepreneur who owned and operated an antique store for many years. She also renovated several downtown buildings and lived in a historic home on Main Street.

A funeral service will be held in Patty’s honor at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Stones Hill Community Church, 151 W Stones Hill Road, Ligonier, IN 46767. Pastor Joey Nelson will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier, IN.