Patricia Schmidt

SCHMIDT, Patricia Loving wife, mother, and sister passed away on October 14th, 2010 surrounded by her family at Massachusetts General Hospital after a brief illness at age 65. She was the daughter of the late Mildred and David Stella. Patricia leaves her loving husband Roland, daughters Kirsten Burke and husband Gerry, of Bryn Mawr PA, Dania Schmidt of Charlottesville VA, and granddaughter Katelyn Marie Burke. She is also survived by her brothers David Stella Jr. and wife Paula, Kenneth Stella and wife Mary, Michael Stella, and her sister MJ Toohey and husband Dennis. Originally from Norwell MA, Patricia attended Katherine Gibbs School in Boston MA, and worked for Bingham Dana Law Firm prior to starting her family. She met her husband on a blind date and it was love at first sight. They were engaged three weeks later and recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. Patricia and Roland lived in Westfield NJ for much of their life. They retired to West Falmouth MA. Patricia loved to travel, and spent summers at her parents cottage in Plymouth, MA, as well as her family home in Portugal. She appreciated life's simple pleasures, and enjoyed the ocean, fine food, gardening, cooking, bird watching, and music. She cherished her granddaughter Katelyn Marie and loved reading and singing to her. Most of all, Patricia spent her life immersed in the love of her family and found great joy in caring for others and bringing them happiness in many small ways. She was a kind and giving person and touched the lives of many. Patricia led her life in a way that has helped to shape the lives of her daughters and continually inspires her husband. The family is planning a memorial service to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, serving children and their families coping with cancer and other serious illnesses and conditions, 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven CT 06511 or St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.