Patricia A. Kleven of Bala Cynwyd, PA., passed away on May 3, 2022 at The Bryn Mawr Hospital.  She was 78.

Daughter of the late Dewey and Helen Elish, she was born on May 02, 1944 in New York City, NY with a passion for dancing and education.  She married James P. Kleven (of 54 years) originally from Duluth, MN and had one daughter.  After moving from NYC to the Philadelphia suburbs she worked as an administrator in the outpatient Psychiatric department at Jefferson University. She completed her undergraduate degree while working full time, and then, having fallen in love with the field, she went back to school at Hahnemann University and earned her doctorate in Psychology.  She accepted a position as the head of the outpatient department at Belmont Psychiatric Center in Philadelphia, a position she held from 1988 until her retirement in 2021. She mentored dozens of psychiatric residents and psychology and social work interns and staff, and was known for her keen intellect, warmth, and ability to ask the right questions and listen carefully to answers. While working full time, she maintained a private practice. Her patients benefited from her many gifts.  After retirement from Belmont she continued her private practice, helping her patients, until her illness. She was a great champion and example of the importance of education and following your dreams, no matter how late in life.

She was an amazing and beloved mother to Kristin Kleven Santos and her son-in-law, Todd. Devoted "Nanna" to Aidan Kleven Santos and best doggie-mom to her fur-baby, Joey.  She will be forever missed.

Funeral services and interment are private for the family.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to Morris Animal Shelter , 1242 Lombard St., Philadelphia, PA 19147.