Patrice Mary Schaaf

Foley - Patrice Mary Schaaf is the eldest of six children and was born on July 16, 1953. Her parents, Fabian and Theresa, farmed in Benton County. From an early age, Patrice had a heart for service and human justice. She cultivated a love for learning languages, and this interest led her to be of service to Latin American people.

She attended Saint Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota's Morris Campus, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Latin American Studies. She earned a Master of Arts in Theology at Maryknoll, New York. She was a religious coordinator and worked in pastoral ministry, embracing her passion for justice with social work in Texas, Mexico, and Chile. She also worked with the Maryknoll sisters at Labandera in Santiago, Chile at the height of the repressive dictatorship, which took a toll on her mental health. Returning to the United States after three years, she continued social work in Texas, Mexico, California, and Minnesota. While caring for her elderly parents before they passed, she worked for Saint Cloud school district's adult education and taught English as a second language for both Hispanic and Somali students.

She is survived by her sisters and brothers-Sharon Farrah (Bob Seger), Kenneth, Linda (John Krotzer), Timothy, and Margie (Mike Walcheski)-as well as her nephews and niece-Jeremiah Krotzer, Kaelie and Nathan Farrah, and Andrew and Devrin Walcheski. She is preceded in death by her parents Fabian and Theresa (Keleher) Schaaf and nephew Joshua Krotzer.

As we rejoice Patrice's new life in heaven, we grieve our loss, but we will continue her legacy by praying and advocating for poor and oppressed people throughout the world.

Services will be Tuesday February 25, 11:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church 645 3rd Avenue SE, Milaca, Mn. In Lieu of flowers Donations to Catholic Relief Services Maryknoll New York.