Patricia J. (High) Csiszar

Patricia J. (High) Csiszar, 93, a dedicated healer, lifelong learner, and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Southfield Village in South Bend.

Born in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, on December 19, 1932, to Oral B. and Nell (Carter) High, Patricia moved to South Bend graduating with honors from South Bend Central High School in 1950. Following that she pursued a calling in medicine and graduated from the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1953, beginning a distinguished 45-year career as a Registered Nurse at Memorial Hospital.

Patricia spent her decades of service in labor, delivery, and postpartum care, serving as a steady, guiding hand for countless families as they welcomed new life into the world. Her passion for science and medicine was not just a job, but a lifelong pursuit of knowledge; she was known for her sharp intellect and her love for deep, spirited conversations and debates.

In 1954, Patricia married Carl Csiszar. Together they shared 13 years and were the parents of adored children, Carla and Tom.

Patricia cherished the shores of Lake Michigan, meticulously planning weeklong retreats to St. Joseph and South Haven. These trips were full of family time with Patricia often being the only one brave enough to plunge into the cold Great Lakes water to swim alongside her grandchildren.

Patricia’s legacy of strength and curiosity lives on through her daughter, Carla (Mark) Huegel, and her granddaughters, Dr. Kara (John) Primmer and Kelcie (James) Krueger. She was the proud great-grandmother to Cameren Huegel, Abigail Primmer, Allyson Primmer, Arianna Krueger, and James Krueger. She is also survived by her sister, Sandra (Sonny) Starrett Lee, and her nieces and nephew: Lynn Walden, Lana Walker, Jennifer Starrett, and Jimmy Starrett and numerous grand and great-grand nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Patricia lived a life defined by her independence and pride, qualities she carried with her until her health began to decline in recent years.

Patricia now joins those who went before her: her parents; her sister, Peggy Smalling; and her beloved son, Thomas Csiszar.

Private services will be held, and Patricia will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery in South Bend. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Southfield Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing for their compassionate care.

In honor of Patricia’s lifelong commitment to nursing and her roots, memorial contributions may be made to:

*Beacon Health Foundation (c/o Nursing Education): 615 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601

*Mount Gilead Church of Christ: 1189 Mt. Gilead Rd., Tompkinsville, KY 42167

Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences and shared memories may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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