Obituary published on Legacy.com by William D. Elkin Funeral Home - North East on Nov. 25, 2025.
Patricia (Patty) Ann Mobilia, age 60, of
North East, PA, passed away on November 22 after a 10-year battle with early onset Alzheimer's. She was born on January 2, 1965, in Erie, PA, to Lenny and Rose Szymanski. On April 21, 1990, she married David Mobilia, with whom she shared a beautiful journey. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.
David and Patty enjoyed going on adventures together, gardening, classic rock music, managing their vineyards, and cookouts with their friends. Patty devoted herself to her family, raising three wonderful girls with David. Her legacy was built on love, care, and the quiet but profound ways she shaped the lives around her. Patty was always the first to volunteer at any event –be it a St. Gregory's auction or a Junior Varsity soccer coach – her compassion, presence and generosity was felt by all.
Patty graduated from East High School and attended the Columbus Art Institute. She always had an artful eye, excelling at decoration, fashion, color – and wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty to make a dream into a reality. Patty and sister-in-law, Summer Mobilia, founded "Finders Keepers" – an antiquity lover's vision, with unique styles and art pieces. Patty found beauty and originality in every handpicked piece. She used her artistic talents to assist many of her friends and family with home decorating and furniture refurbishing. Many hand-painted furniture pieces in our homes are fond reminders of the wonderful artistic woman that Patty was. She was very active with her daughters at St. Gregory Parish School, serving as soccer coach and athletic director, and was instrumental in the design of many special events at the school.
Besides being an exceptionally talented artist, she was capable of turning the family home into a warm haven, always welcoming a new face, and ensuring no one left a visit hungry. Her creativity was relied upon by all – from baking the family Sweet Bread for Easter, to decorating hundreds of Christmas cutouts – an invaluable gift she bestowed upon her daughters, who take joy in being able to keep her memory alive each time they recreate her signature dishes. Patty also enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers (much to David's dismay, as a Browns fan), and rooting for the Penn State Nittany Lions with her family. Grandma Rose turned all of Patty's daughters into Steelers fans as well, and cheering for the Steelers is a cherished family tradition that lives on. She loved her family and friends dearly, and she also loved her Polish polka music and dancing. She didn't miss many Zabawa festivals and was always the life of the party.
You may have heard about "Super Moms" – and Patty was the definition of one. From countless soccer games, basketball games, dance recitals, swimming meets, horseback riding lessons, and all the practices associated with each one of her children's different interests – she was in attendance. It might have been forty degrees and raining, but Patty didn't miss that soccer game. A soccer tournament starting at 2 am? Patty was one of the few cheering. Back-to-back dance recitals in Erie? Patty was the first one there. A basketball tournament three hours away? Patty was one of the parents driving the team. No one was a bigger supporter, fan, nurse, teacher, coach, chauffeur, and cheerleader. She was a symbol of stability, and her family could always count on her to be there.
Patty and David had an unbreakable relationship. In 2015, Patty was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's – which was a devastating diagnosis. She faced her illness with remarkable strength, grace, and unfailing courage. Through it all, she was surrounded by the steadfast love and devotion of her husband, who stood by her side every step of the way. She met every challenge with resilience, uplifted by the unwavering love of her husband and daughters, whose constant care and companionship were her greatest comfort. Patty and David's bond remained an enduring light through difficult days and is one of the greatest examples of unconditional love.
Patty is survived by her husband, David Mobilia, three daughters, Anna (Alex Ramsey), Genevieve and Olivia; her parents, Lenny and Rose Szymanski; two brothers, Mark Szymanski (Sue Heeter), Mike Szymanski (Deb); three sisters-in-law, Jean (Mark Caola), Charlene (John Piper), Cynthia (Bob Stoothoff); two brothers-in-law, Philip (Summer), Nick (Kathy); nieces Madison (Ben), Natalie, Sarah (Rob), Nikki (Greg), Jennifer; nephews Dylan, Scotty, Stephen (Maggie), Michael (Brooke), Nicholas, Alexander (Kate), Adrian (Jessica); and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Patty and David's extended families, both deceased and surviving, number in the hundreds. We acknowledge them all and thank them for their support.
Patty and David lived their entire life in North East and have a tremendous group of life-long friends who supported them through the many struggles of the past decade. Patty's family would like to extend a thank you to all of her friends and family who have reached out to Patty and David during the last ten years, and to those who were there to help the family out during those hard times. Your support was a beacon of light in dark times, and both the Szymanski and Mobilia families would like to thank all for the amazing support and friendship.
The family would also like to thank the students at St. Gregory Parish School for all the get-well cards sent to Patty over the years, and special thank you 's to Nikki Cole for keeping Patty looking beautiful, to Brandy White for her constant care and love, and to the staff at LECOM Senior Living for taking such good care of her.
Family and friends are welcome for visitation at William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 Lake Street,
North East, PA, on December 5th from 3pm to 7pm. A mass will be held at St. Gregory's Church in North East with Father Tom Brooks officiating on December 6th at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Patty's name to the
Alzheimer's Association, 1600 Peninsula Drive, Suite 15, Erie, PA 16505 or to St. Gregory Parish School, 140 West Main Street,
North East, PA 16428. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.
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