Patricia “Pat” Louise Smith (Skusevich), 82 years young, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, passed away at home on September 6, 2019. Patricia was born on February 21, 1937, in Chicago, IL. She was the daughter of Anthony T. Skusevich, Sr. and Faye V. Christianson.

Patricia was a mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend. Everyone who knew her remembers her willingness to help regardless of the situation or circumstance. She spent many hours enjoying time with her large extended family while taking care of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. After she was diagnosed with cancer last month, she chose to spend her last few weeks celebrating her life with her family members and friends. The time that she was able to spend with them was truly a gift and she cherished each and every visit.

During Pat’s life, she had many different jobs and experiences. When she was young, she spent time working at the Sears Tower in Chicago. After moving into Wisconsin, Pat settled just outside of Nekoosa with her family, and she helped her father open a bar called Tony’s Barn. Through this job, Pat met people from all walks of life and many who knew her fondly remember time they spent with her talking and laughing about life. After The Barn, Pat moved to Wisconsin Rapids and became a home health care worker where she once again put her shining personality on display and made new connections while helping those in need navigate the many aspects of the health care industry. When not working, Pat had numerous hobbies. Some of her favorites were listening to music, dancing, and spending time with her family camping. She also loved gardening and could often be found tending her plants and flowers and then sharing these with her family and friends. However, one of the things she enjoyed best was sitting on one of her favorite mother’s day presents, a swing,where she watched her grandchildren play. Pat’s family was truly the most important thing to her and she tried to let each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren know that they were special and loved.

Patricia is survived by two sons, Anthony M.Skusevich of Wisconsin Rapidsand Thomas Higdon of the Philippines; three daughters, Michelle Vanderville of Summit Lake, Priscilla Higdon of Nekoosa, and Teresa (Daryll) DeLaCruz of Stevens Point; 10 grandchildren, Rachelle Marceau, Angie Higdon, Miranda (Jb) Moody, Eddie Lancour, Robbie Keenan, John (Auburn) Higdon, Alex (Heather) Arriaga, Denae Lewis, Christian De La Cruz, Delita De La Cruz; 17great-grandchildren,Milenna, Quan, Matthew, Lilly, Elysia, Jasmine, Josiah, Maya, Alex, Aaliyah, Kanye, Tatiyana, Loronzo, Arriana, Ali, Taya, and Kyler; and one four-legged grandson, Houdini.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Anthony Skusevich, Jr.; son, Edward Higdon; and grandson, Blake Higdon.

The family would like to thank Riverview Aspirus Critical Care, Edgewater Haven, and Heartland Hospice for the exemplary care that Pat received and all that they did to make Pat’s dream come true of being surrounded by her family and friends during the last few weeks of her life.

A Celebration of Life for Pat will be held at a later date. The John J. Buettgen Funeral Home/Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society are assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.