Patricia's obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Maria (Gonsalves) Schley, born on March 1, 1948, who left us on December 24, 2021. Patricia was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who touched the lives of many with her warmth and generosity.
Patricia is survived by her loving family, including her devouted husband George Schley, daughters Alicia Milhouse, and Mindi Schley, son George Schley, son-in-law, Claude Arnell Milhouse, and grandchildren Nile Schley, Mathias Milhouse, Kaileif Schley, and Elias Milhouse. She is also survived by her sisters Marion Elaine Bessette, Lorraine Meade, and Maria Briggs, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, father, John Gonsalves and mother, Balbina Mendes Gonsalves, her brothers Nicholas, Eugene, Joseph, Richard, Norman, Donald, and James Gonsalves.
Patricia was followed in death by her daughter, Janeen Schley.
Known for her warm hello and big smile, Patricia was a soft-spoken woman who could also create a lively atmosphere with her laughter and joy for life. She was a talented singer, cook, and baker, who made every dish a work of art and brought happiness to everyone who tasted her lovingly-prepared food. Besides her culinary and musical talents, she'll be remembered for her willingness to lend a listening ear, keeping your private words protected, and her ability to make you laugh.
Patricia's legacy will always be remembered through the love and special attention she showered upon her family and friends. Never forgetting a birthday, she made sure to call, send a card, or even a thoughtful gift to celebrate her loved ones' milestones.
Patricia was a proud member of the Fox Point community where she was born and raised. She would often tell stories about her days of growing up in the neighborhood with all of her brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles and all of the neighborhood kids. She remembered everyone's first and last name, and always had an interesting story attached to each person.
Patricia was a supervisor and cook at Tockwotton Assisted Living Facility, for 25 years where she took great pride in her contributions and retired in 2010.
She and her husband, George took exceptional care of their four children, especially their two children, Janeen and George, who had developmental disabilities since birth. Patricia's four grandchildren, Nile, Mathias, Kaileif, and Elias, were her pride and joy, and would revel about how each grandchild looked like one of her brothers. She always made holidays fun. Christmas, being her favorite, she would cook up a bountiful Christmas dinner feast, with songs like Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas" and Phil Spector's Christmas album blasting in the background, she would put all her love in the food and didn't hesitate to include each family member's favorite side dish, along with desserts, which were the best!
Sometimes her presence brought comfort to the lives she touched, and sometimes it brought frustration. She had her faults and would let you know when she was bothered. She was not perfect, but rest assured she is loved and will be missed, just the same.
Patricia's love, laughter, and kindness, along with her wit, strength, and brassiness will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. May she rest in peace and continue to watch over her loved ones from above.