Julie Ann Schilling Patch

Julie Ann Schilling Patch

Bow, NH — Julie Ann Schilling Patch died at her home in Bow, NH, on September 7, 2021, age 70 years. She is survived by her spouse of 45 years, Edward F. Patch of Bow, NH, daughter Allison M. Patch Pedroza and her spouse Randall of Salem, MA, and three grandchildren, Phoenix, Isabel , and Casey Pedroza, all of Salem, MA. Julie leaves her siblings, Herman "Neal" Schilling and spouse Gary Peichoto of Modesto, CA, Donna Kay Nash and spouse Richard of Tillamook, OR, and Jeffery Schilling and spouse Anne of The Dalles, OR. She is also survived by her siblings' children, Shannon Ball, Mark Nash, Sarah Schilling, and Johanna Schilling and their families. Her sisters- and brothers-in-law are Richard Patch of Saugus, MA, the late James Patch and spouse Eileen of Reading, MA, Harold Patch and spouse Audrey of Saugus, MA, Irene Patch and spouse Anthony Barayon of Belchertown, MA, and Nancy Theberge and spouse Andrew of Danvers, MA. Julie was also aunt to Gregory Patch, Timothy Patch, Harold Patch, Justin Patch, Darcy Santosuosso, Jillian Regan, Andrew Theberge, Nicole Theberge, and Elizabeth Giannotti and their families.

Born on April 8, 1951 in Eugene, OR, Julie was the first child of Sylvia Branden Schilling and H.R. Schilling. She grew up on the family's wheat and cattle ranch in Grass Valley, OR, until the family relocated to The Dalles, OR, where she graduated from high school.

After earning degrees from University of Oregon and Western Oregon University, she moved to Portland, ME to teach at Governor Baxter School for the Deaf. She met and married Ed, and they lived in Georgetown, MA, where she taught at Beverly School for the Deaf while raising Allison. After the family relocated to Bow, NH, Julie worked with deaf children as an itinerant worker in many public schools around the state, and finished her career working with deaf students through HEAR in NH.

Julie retired after her initial diagnosis and treatment of stage III-B ovarian cancer, and was an active participant in her own care. When she tested positive for a BRCA1 gene mutation, she alerted her family to the genetic disposition for aggressive cancer, enabling Allison and other family members to take preventive measures to avoid ovarian cancer. Julie's loved ones appreciated her kindness, empathy, loyalty, reliability, strength, tenacity, insight, and generosity. She loved her daily walks, camping, Cape Cod, antiques, travel, her friends, and most of all her family.

A devoted spouse, mother, Oma, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher, Julie will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the 1640 Hart House (51 Linebrook Road, Ipswich, MA) on Thursday, September 30 from 11:00-2:00. The venue is Covid-aware, with outside seating and a large tent in the event of inclement weather.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Julie's name to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (https://ocrahope.org/get-involved/honor-loved-one/) or Hearing Charities of America (https://www.sertoma.org/Ways-to-help/Make-a-Donation).