Patricia W. Geismar

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Pat Geismar, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, and friend to many.
Pat led a life well-lived, in every sense of the word. She connected with so many people over the years. Her intellect, curiosity, strong work ethic, determination, sense of service to the greater community, and sheer energy propelled her into a variety of work and social experiences and adventures her entire life.
Pat graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1950. Her strong ties to her alma mater had her engaged with various activities over the decades. Pat returned to get her Masters degree when her three children were in junior high and high school. She was a guidance counselor at Greenwich High School for many years, where she created strong ties with both her students and colleagues.
Pat was a dedicated member of the Junior League and involved in many fundraising activities, as well as being a mentor for young women recently moved to town. Pat was instrumental in establishing Hill House in Riverside and remained on the Board for many years. She was also instrumental in fundraising for the creation and maintenance of Children's Day School in Riverside.
Pat took her fundraising skills and acumen to Edgehill, where she lived for her last 14 years. Twice annually she conducted the fundraising drive that benefitted the staff. Pat also was head of the residents' council and wrote a newsletter for Edgehill for many years.
Pat was a long-time member of the Riverside Yacht Club, sailing and playing tennis starting in the '60s. The First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich was an important aspect of Pat's life. She was fully engaged with the church for many decades as a deacon, volunteer, decorator of the church at Christmas, an alto in the choir and player of handbells. Pat sang in every Messiah from the beginning through to Christmas 2022. During Covid, she sang along on Zoom.
The list of Pat's achievements could go on and on she did a lot in her 96+ years.
Pat's love of learning and adventure never wavered. She was well-read, intellectually engaged, musically inclined and loved to travel. Her travels took her all over the world, starting with her husband, Dick, and friends, and adding in the family as it grew. She loved active holidays with hiking or biking (even horse back riding). And to prove she could do it, Pat did an 8-day Outward Bound course in Maine, complete with sea kayaking, rock climbing, a ropes course, and jumping off the dock at Hurricane Island at low tide when she was in her 60s.
The coast of Maine where Pat and Dick built a house in 1987 became a gathering spot for family and friends over the years. Pat loved to be on the coast, where there was space, bird song, and a broad horizon.
Pat's love of life and vitality was a never-ending source of energy that she shared with her family, friends, colleagues, fellow committee members, students and all those who came in contact with her. She always took interest in who you were, and what you had to say, no matter where you came from. She would take time to listen.
Nature and the outdoors was so important to her being. She loved to walk and was walking Tod's Point just last fall with her great-granddaughter. The sun, the wind, the vistas, the stars were all integral to her soul.
Pat was married to Dick Geismar (d. July 10, 2010) and has children: John (Susan) of Minot, Maine; Beth (Torsten) of Ashland, Oregon; and Nancy of Revelstoke, British Columbia. Grandchildren: Emily, Anna, James, Bradley, Hanna and Kira; and great-grandchildren: Penny, Cole, Grace and Cooper.
We will miss her light, her love, and her presence in our lives.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at the First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich on Wednesday, May 21 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hill House, 10 Riverside Avenue, Riverside, CT 06878. Pat's good works and care for her community live on!