Patricia Jane Schneider

1942 - 2025

Patricia Jane (Brockmeyer) Schneider Schaumburg, IL - Patricia Jane (Brockmeyer) Schneider, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, at the age of 83. Patricia was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jean J. Schneider. She is survived by her family, including children Stephanie (Cyle) Cantrell and Jay (Tia) Schneider; her grandchildren Alyssa Cantrell, Samantha Cantrell, Nicholas Cantrell, Savannah Schneider, and Quinn Schneider; her brother Michael (Avis Elson) and her sister Debra (Robert Matthews).

Born in Wausau, Wisconsin, on March 16, 1942, to Win and Helen (Date) Brockmeyer, Patrica lived a life defined by curiosity, purpose, laughter, and a deep devotion to those she loved.

Patricia met the love of her life, Jean, in Milwaukee and in 1968 they were married at St. Matthew's in Wausau, Wisconsin. Their love story spanned 40 years until Jean's passing in 2008. In 1970, Patricia and Jean relocated from Milwaukee to Wilmington, Delaware, before returning to Wisconsin and settling down in Merrill, Wisconsin, where they spent nearly 20 years raising their two children. In 2005, Patricia and Jean relocated to Janesville, Wisconsin. After Jean's passing, Patricia spent the rest of her life in between Chicago and Miami, splitting her time with her children and grandchildren.

Patricia discovered her calling to teach early in life and became a dedicated, award-winning educator in the State of Wisconsin. She earned her teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1964, beginning a long and inspiring career in education that spanned more than 30 years and left a lasting impact on students in Milwaukee, Merrill, Antigo, Fort Atkinson, and Janesville. Her dedication, creativity, and innovation were widely recognized.

In 2002, she was honored with the Herb Kohl Education Excellence Fellowship, a prestigious award celebrating outstanding Wisconsin educators-an achievement that reflected both her remarkable skill and her heartfelt commitment to her students, and was Janesville High School Teacher of the Year in 2002 and Merrill Teacher of the Year in 1994.

Outside the classroom, Patricia's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother whose wisdom and steady presence provided comfort and guidance, and a proud grandmother who celebrated every milestone with love. Her sense of humor-sharp, welcoming, and ever-present-filled her home with laughter and created memories her family will cherish forever.

Patricia will be remembered for her gentle strength, her kindness, her remarkable ability to find humor in everyday life, and the light she brought to all those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the countless hearts she touched.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her laughter continue to echo in the stories we share. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in support of public education at https://www.neafoundation.org/donate.