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Patrice Munsel
1925 - 2016
Patrice Munsel
1925 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1925
DIED
2016
Patrice Munsel Obituary
Munsel made headlines in 1943 when she won a contract with the Metropolitan Opera when she was just 17. The coloratura soprano had tied for first place in the Metropolitan Auditions of the Air, a competition that brought promising new singers into the Met's roster.
Munsel would go on to become one of the Met's youngest stars when she debuted as Philine in "Mignon" later that year, receiving an enthusiastic standing ovation. She would perform at the Met hundreds of times over the next decade and a half, her notable roles including Rosina in "The Barber of Seville," Adele in "Die Fledermaus," and Despina in "Cosi fan Tutte." For her final Met performance in 1958, she played Mimi in "La Boheme."
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Munsel also appeared on TV and in movies, including a starring role in the 1953 biopic "Melba." In 1957, she debuted TV's "The Patrice Munsel Show," a variety series in which she sang with guests for a single season before cancellation.
Born Patrice Beverly Munsil May 14, 1925, in Spokane, Washington, she changed the spelling of her last name at the Met's request. She married TV producer Robert C. Schuler in 1952, and within a few years, she had scaled down her career to concentrate on motherhood.
She was preceded in death by Schuler in 2007 and by their son, Rhett, in 2005. She is survived by their three other children, Heidi, Nicole, and Scott.
57 Entries
Susan Conroy
Earlier today
I still miss hours of spontaneous activities with pat. Her zest for life was infectious, creative, unique,......just plain fun. Thank you, Pat.
Patrice Rexin Shepherd
March 25, 2025
My mother named me for her. She love her voice and name.
Sally Smith, Roosa
April 26, 2021
Patrice was my cousin watching her career from a early age and she being so known as a warm and caring person. I am younger then Patrice she grew up more with my older sisters. I always being very proud of my cousin and marveled at her accomplishments of how she was able to juggle her career and family never losing site of who she was.
Patrice DuVall
April 25, 2021
My Mother named me after her. I always wished I had her voice and talent for singing.
Sorry for your separation, but there is hope in God to see her again.
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Patrice Heauser-Krumm
January 17, 2021
I couldn’t have been named after someone more beautiful and talented.
Susan Conroy
May 21, 2020
Fabulous.......fearless.......loved life ......a loyal friend.......I miss you, Pat........and our numerous lake adventures.
July 15, 2018
To share the same name is an honor...I have always embraced my name, now even more so. Your love of life and family reverberate through the cosmos. -Patrice (born 1957)
Anna
January 23, 2018
Love you, Cokie and Pat, always.
Anna
AL SCHALLAU
July 1, 2017
I moved to Los Angeles in 1964. The first live play I ever attended was KISS ME KATE at the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera. The star was Patrice Munsel. She was beautiful and enormously talented.
I felt very honored to see her perform live and in person. I am very saddened by her death, but very happy that she lived past age 90. Patrice Munsel was a God-send to all of us. AL SCHALLAU, Palos Verdes,CA
Ron Wisniski
January 22, 2017
To the Schuler family . My deepest sympathy on the passing of your extraordinary mother. I had the great good fortune to tour with Pat in TINTYPES in 1982 and 1983. What a joy she was to work with. We kept in touch for all these years. It was always a marvelous pleasure to be in her company or just chat on the phone. Sometimes several years would pass then we would reconnect and it was as though no time at all had passed. She had a generosity of spirit that was unique in our business. I'll fondly remember her and smile when I do.
October 17, 2016
I was saddened when I read of Pat's passing. I spoke to her on her birthday this year as I had done for the past few years, after reconnecting with her. She was my mentor, helping me when I needed it the most, encouraging me to pursue my chosen career in theater. She was the main reason I was able to have a successful career. I will miss her for the rest of my life. Elizabeth Koenig Welsh.
MA
September 30, 2016
To the family,
I send my condolences. May God give you peace as you cope with your loss.
Susan Sampliner
September 12, 2016
I worked for your mom for several years in the late 70's and early 80's (as her dresser on two summer stock tours, and personal asst work for several years beyond). I lived in her apt at the El Dorado for 9 months when I just moved to NY - it was so generous of her to let me stay there while I got my feet wet. She was a huge influence on me - gave me more confidence in myself than anyone before - and I think of her often and fondly. Sending condolences on your loss - she was a great lady, and I owe her so much.
September 1, 2016
As an opera lover I have always felt that her voice was among the greatest ever to be heard. Her appeal was incredible and I loved her as much as anyone could. She will rest in peace. I miss her already.
Thanks for the memories
Benjamin Pomerance
August 31, 2016
Thank you for being there to support me. I was delighted and surprised. It was a great night. I shall never forget it or you. You made this kid feel special
"Captain Hook"
BR&D Pomerance
August 31, 2016
We will never forget you and the love and laughter you shared with us. Ron and Benjamin will always have a crush on you why not....you were delightful, kind and generous as well as perpetually beautiful. We just had so much fun knowing you!!!
BR&D Pomerance
August 31, 2016
Sing with the angels and keep them laughing. We miss you but lucky angels
Jerry Landon
August 27, 2016
Pat had a great sense of humor. She and her kids were doing "The Sound of Music" at the Melodyland Theatre-In-the-Round in 1966. There's a scene in the show when Maria first arrives and the housekeeper takes Maria to her room. The housekeeper happens to mention the children are fond of placing frogs under the governesses bed-sheets. As soon as the housekeeper exits, Maria checks the bed covers and always find nothing, eliciting a laugh from the audience. But .... kids will be kids! I was playing Fredrick, the oldest Von Trap brother and Kristin Nelson (Ricky Nelson's wife) was playing Liesl, the oldest sister. We found the most lifelike black rubber spider and placed in under the bed sheets before the performance began. Kristin and I, along with Pat's four kids, who were all in on the joke watched from the back of the theatre to see Pat's reaction. When she lifted up the bed sheets and spotted the "make-believe" Tarantula, she jumped backwards about six feet and let out a scream that shook the rafters. We kids couldn't help laughing loudly, immediately implicating ourselves as the perpetrators of this practical joke. During intermission, we were ordered by the stage manager to report to Pat's dressing room at once! After we had all assembled in her dressing room, she sternly looked us all over and then burst out into hearty laughter, giving each of us a big hug. However, she refused to let us leave her dressing room until we each promised .... NO MORE SURPRISES UNDER THE BED SHEETS !!!!
August 26, 2016
My father met Dr. Munsel at a Rotary lunch in New York in 1945. My mother was expecting (me) in October. After my fathers conversation with Dr. Munsel about his talented daughter, Patrice, he told my mother that he thought her name would be beautiful if a daughter was born. My mother agreed and that is how I was named on October 21, 1945. Patrice is French for Patrick but used as a feminine name in the US.
Gary John La Rosa
August 25, 2016
I had the good fortune to work with Pat in a production of "Mame." I was in the ensemble but remember how kind she was to the entire cast. She made us all feel special. A highlight was a party she threw for us, welcoming us all into her home on Central Park West. She was a beautiful lady and it was a great thrill to work with her and get to know her. She will be missed but not forgotten. "We think your just sensational"... dear Pat!
michelle plakas-kaiser
August 20, 2016
rip
August 17, 2016
May the God of comfort strengthen your family during this sad time
Jackie
August 16, 2016
Patrice was blessed with a great voice that she shared with millions. It's a great loss that she has passed but her memory will continue on in many years to come. Numbers 6:26
May Jehovah lift up his face toward you and grant you peace.'
Jim Levitt
August 15, 2016
It's been many years since we spent time at my father's house and on the boat. I enjoyed every minute with you and Bob.
R.I.P
Jerry Landon
August 14, 2016
As an 18 year old teenager, I had the wonderful experience of working with Pat and her four kids as Fredrick in three productions of "The Sound of Music. She was "Fabulous!" She had a great sense of humor, was a terrific mom, and was gracious and thoughtful with the other cast members. She was certainly grand and glamorous, but ... she was also quite down-to-earth. I'm sure she'll be missed by everyone who worked with her. Jerry Landon
"Clothe yourselves with LOVE" Colossain 4:14
August 14, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Maria Ciaccia
August 13, 2016
When I was a teenager, my voice teacher had me stand in front of a mirror and pretend I was Patrice Munsel, "the girl with everything." Years later, when my throat felt like it had razor blades in it, I went to see Dr. Graubscheid on a Saturday. In the waiting room there was a mink coat, and that was it. When they put me on a gurney with a heat pack, I realized my companion on the adjoining gurney was none other than Patrice, who at the time I believe was doing Tintypes. It just shows you that even goddesses need care once in a while. She was an amazing woman - beautiful, a real trooper, a glamorous actress, a gorgeous singer who managed to balance a family at the same time as a marvelous career. Excuse the adjectives - but she deserves every once.
August 13, 2016
May the God of all comfort, comfort you during your loss.
August 13, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
R D
August 13, 2016
Such a great voice which will surely be missed. Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Patrice Munsel. May you have peace from God during this difficult time.
August 13, 2016
Rhett, Heidi, Nicole, Scott,
Family,
Sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33
Deek
August 13, 2016
Wow, what a woman. Glorious life, magnificent voice, stellar humanity. My compassion to her loved ones. I'm going to YouTube to watch her clips.
August 12, 2016
To the Munsel Family:
I am sorry for your loss.
.
Our heavenly Father will help you through this sad time. Please read his words at 1 Peter 5:6,7, "He cares for you.
Fred Edwards
August 12, 2016
I was introduced to Miss Munsel by her appearances on the Ed Sullivan show. She will be missed.
Richard Kendall [email protected]
August 12, 2016
Patrice Munsel, a great vocal artist has left the world with a myriad of beautiful memories. I devoted a chapter in my book, "An Extraordinary Life", on her describing the many, many times I heard her perform. I grew up with her hearing her years ago on the radio and always put her at the top of my operatic favorites. I will miss her lovely notes . My thoughts and prayers to her family which was so blessed by her life. RICHARD KENDALL, Hollywood, CA
Benson
August 12, 2016
I am sorrybfor your lost.
Andrea
August 12, 2016
I'm so very sorry for your loss, please accept my sympathies and condolences, may the peace that surpasses all understanding helps as cope with your loss.
Barbara Crewe
August 12, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family. I feel truly blessed by having known Patrice. She was the loveliest person I have ever known. She will be missed, especially here in Schroon Lake where she was so well loved. Prayers and love to the family in this difficult time and peace to sweet Patrice.
August 12, 2016
Truly sorry to hear about Patrice Munsel. What a long and full life she enjoyed! So many cannot say the same. May precious memories forever live in our hearts and in God's "book of life."
August 12, 2016
Condolences to family and friends.
August 12, 2016
Condolences to the family. May God comfort you during this time of sadness.
Mark Aberson
August 12, 2016
A great singer that will be missed
Sorry for your loss my friend here
Mark Aberson
August 12, 2016
What a great opera singer Patrice was just like Beverley Sills was and will be missed dearly
August 12, 2016
What a great opera singer Patrice was just like Beverley Sills was and will be missed dearly
Janice Patrizz
August 12, 2016
RIP
Sheila Smith
August 12, 2016
A beautiful woman with a beautiful voice. God bless you Patrice and all those who love you.
August 11, 2016
May the pain of your sorrow soften and you become comforted by the power of prayer. (Psalms 4:3)
Adrian Barnette
August 11, 2016
We'll miss you !
David Parker
August 11, 2016
I had the pleasure of meeting Patrice Munsel in Syracuse, NY many years ago... wonderful lady to her fans... Rest In Peace Patrice Munsel
Gloria
August 11, 2016
Your beautiful mother is indeed remembered by those of us who lived in that era. Loved her talent.
Harry Simpson
August 11, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Jeanette Messersmith
August 11, 2016
Heidi, Nicky and Scott (Cokie?), I was your nanny during the summer of 1966. I traveled with all of you, your Dad and Mother up and down the East Coast while she did "Kiss Me Kate". I have many fond memories of you and your marvelous family. She had an unbelievable voice, but was so down to earth. I am so sorry for your loss.
August 11, 2016
So very sorry to learn of the loss of such a wonderful individual.
Nicole, we know how difficult this must be for you and family. God bless you all.
Marilyn and Sonny Stires
Vista, CA
Donna Ward
August 11, 2016
A true songbird! Sing with the Angels.......
Scott Chamberland
August 11, 2016
Rest in Peace
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