Pat Hipp: A giant in our city

Editor's note: Patricia "Pat" Hipp, president of Maple City Ice in Norwalk, passed away on Jan. 30. Her obituary can be found online and on Page A5 of this past Monday's Reflector. I first met Pat Hipp as a newly hired development director at Norwalk Catholic School. Not yet sure of what my job entailed, I was told the very first thing I needed to do was go see Pat Hipp. "She's mad at us!" said the Pastor. So Pat was my first visit and yes, she was mad. And rightly so. Twice she had given to fund a major improvement on the church. Twice the Pastor had used the money for something else — teachers' salaries. At that meeting with Pat, I learned more about development than I could have from reading a dozen books. Pat had a "development" mind — business development, economic development and financial development. That day, she became my mentor; I, her pupil. The Firelands Catholic Education Development Office, Inc (FCEDO) had her champion. St. Paul and St. Mary Catholic Schools were on a new path to securing their future. Pat's influence and impact went far beyond her church and schools. She was a giant in business, and our community. Her intellect and innovation helped transform a small family company to become leaders in the field. She was a smart, fearless, insightful, and out-of-the-box thinker. Usually, the smartest person at the table, she'd often see possibilities that others could not. She had strong opinions and was willing to share them. She was not afraid, when needed, to make noise. Pat was one of a small group of women innovators of her day, who changed Norwalk. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Norwalk Community Development Corp. NCDC, an organization whose prime goal was to build the infrastructure and facilities to attract manufacturing to Norwalk. Hundreds of good-paying jobs came to Norwalk as a result. NCDC helped start and fund our current economic development office. In my years at City Hall, Pat's counsel was so valuable. She had important insights on being the only woman at the table. Her economic forecasts were spot-on, as were her savvy tips on negotiating with a new business. But it was perhaps her fearlessness that I loved most. In answer to a question posed once, she said, "Sue, what the hell do I know about building furniture!?!" Her fearlessness, I contend, led to the saving of Norwalk Furniture. Pat's courage strengthened others' spines. (Including mine!) Pat herself would tell you that she and Jerry's most valued success was their big, boisterous family. Yes, her expectations for them too, were set high. Expected to be hard-working and faithful people, they brought her the most joy. Her family was first, as she and Jerry are for them. And Jerry! 70+ years together! She would say, "He lets me do what I want." But Jerry, with his kind heart and gracious manner, had tremendous subtle influence. Jerry was the life-partner who made Pat — Pat! Sue Lesch Norwalk, former mayor