Patricia Joan Luft

LUFT, Patricia Joan (McShea)

Patricia Joan (McShea) Luft, 67, of Mansfield, beloved wife of 48 years of Paul J. Luft, died Monday, (January 12, 2004) after a courageous four year battle with cancer. She was born July 31, 1936, in Windham, the daughter of the late John F. and Mary-Jane (Meikle) McShea. She lived in Mansfield most of her life where she drove school buses for eight years and worked in banking until retiring in 1997. She enjoyed reading, traveling and spending her winters in Myrtle Beach, SC. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she touched the lives of many. Her greatest treasure was her family, especially her grandchildren. In addition to her husband Paul, she is survived by her two daughters, Lori Turner of Mansfield and Terri Olesen of Tolland; a son, Andrew Luft and his wife, Connie of Lebanon. She is also survived by her three cherished grandchildren; Mikayla and Alexis Luft and Joseph Olesen; two brothers, James McShea of Bolton and Patrick McShea of Columbia, MS; two sisters, Mary Podolak of Gainsville, VA, and Margaret Smolack of Newington; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, John McShea and two sisters, Helen Smith and Genevieve Wood. Her family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195), Willimantic, on Friday from 5-8 p.m.. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, with assembly at the church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests memorial donations to Hospice of Eastern Connecticut, or VNA East, both at 34 Ledgebrook Dr., Mansfield Center, CT 06250.