SKOWHEGAN – Patricia Ann Schinzel “Pat”, 80, of Skowhegan, passed away peacefully at her home (The Redington Memorial Home), on the evening of June 10 with her loving family by her side.
She was born Patricia Ann Miller on May 13, 1935 to John and Imelda (Poirier) Miller of Skowhegan.
She married Ernest “Bill” Schinzel on October 5, 1957 at Notre Dame de Lourdes church. They made their home in Madison and raised three boys: Billy, Mark and Keith and two daughters: Laurie and Marie. She is predeceased by both Billy in 1983 and her husband, the love of her life, on Nov. 2, 1993.
Following his passing, Pat spent time traveling with friends and church members to Rome, visiting the Vatican, and later pouring her strength and love for Christ in service. As an Associate at the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament in Waterville, she spent 11 years in residence, living their prayer life and sharing in their service to the community and commitment to God. She loved her life with the Sisters and felt called to be there.
A resident of the Redington Memorial Home since 2010, she was affectionately referred to as “Meme” by many staff members, and she lead both prayer and the saying of the Rosary on a weekly basis for her fellow residents.
Her faith was most important to her and she shared it freely with all. She was a person of great love, kindness and generosity with an equally wonderful sense of humor and wit.
Both Pat and Bill enjoyed the outdoors and loved to be on their boat, “Our Lady,” fishing, hunting and especially cherished time at their camp on Embden Pond where many gatherings, canoe rides, afternoon naps, sitting on her favorite swing, and fireside chats were enjoyed by all of the family and friends. It was a place to relax and connect with each other, which meant so much to her.
She is survived by Mark Schinzel and his wife, Belinda of North New Portland, Keith Schinzel and his wife Pennie of New Sharon, Laurie Dennison and her husband Eric of Granville, New York, and Marie Johnson and her husband John of Norridgewock and all of her beautiful grandchildren; Ricky Schinzel, Leif Schinzel, Danielle Schinzel, Brandi Schinzel, Billy Schinzel, Ryan Schinzel, Nathan Dennison, Matthew Dennison, Kathryn Dennison, Brooke Johnson, Caitlyn Johnson and 15 great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her brother, William “Jack” Miller, her sister Mary Wilcox and is survived by her sister Gerry Ouellette, Eleanor Bouchard and Kathy Potelle. Viewing hours will be held on Sunday, June 14th from 2-4 pm at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 15th at 10 am at Notre Dame De Lourdes Catholic church, Water Street, Skowhegan, burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Skowhegan.
Pat’s family extends their love and appreciate to all of the Hospice volunteers and nurses, Redington Memorial Home and their awesome staff, and a special thanks to Melanie Alexander, and Casey Holt, for their love and extra care of our mother. Words cannot express our gratitude.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to MaineGeneral Hospice, Maine General Health, Office of Philanthropy, PO Box 828, Waterville, Maine 04903.
So sorry to hear about your loss Hugs and prayers for you.
Condolences go out to Keith and Pennie and the entire family. My Mom passed away exactly three months earlier on March 10, and I know how very difficult it is to lose a precious Mom. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days ahead.