Obituary of Patricia J. Willis

        Mrs. Patricia J. (Scheidelman) Willis, 100, a resident of the Masonic Care Community in Utica, formerly of New Hartford, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at the nursing home, with her loving family by her side.

     Patricia was born in Utica, on November 13, 1922, the daughter of Delos (Dick) and Madeline (Cordone) Scheidelman.  She was a 1940 graduate of Whitesboro High School and a 1943 Graduate of St. Elizabeth School of Nursing.  On October 19, 1943, Patricia was united in marriage with Lorne H. Willis, Jr., at St. Joseph’s Church in Utica, a loving and devoted union of 69 years, until Lorne’s death on April 21, 2013.  Patricia was employed as an RN with various local hospitals and private doctor’s offices.  She was an avid gardener who had her own private greenhouse from which she shared her flowers and plants with her family and friends.  Patricia was also an animal lover especially her cherished cats.

     Mrs. Willis is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Reed and Karen Willis of Cold Brook, NY; cherished grandchildren, Alexandra Willis of New Hartford, Chadrick Willis and his wife Lindsey of Marcy and Trevor Willis and his wife Kathleen of Holland Patent and three adored great grandchildren, Hailey Davis, Dean Willis and Madelyn Willis.  Besides her beloved husband, Lorne, she was predeceased by her son, Dean in 2005 and brother, Warren Scheidelman. 

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Patricia’s funeral Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John The Evangelist Church, 66 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.  She will be laid to rest with her husband and son in Sunset Hill Cemetery in Clinton.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502 in Patricia’s memory.

     Mrs. Willis’ family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Masonic Care Community, for the wonderful care and compassion you provided to Patricia.