Patrice Schmitz Hall

Dr. Patrice Schmitz Hall, 93, of Olathe Kansas died April 7th, 2019. Patrice was born May 19, 1925 in Purcell, Kansas. Her education began at St. Benedict’s Elementary and she graduated from Mt. St. Scholastica High School in 1943. Her teaching career then started after high school at Mt. Aeirie in Wathena, Kansas, 1943-44. She continued teaching in 1944 thru 1946 at Iatan, MO and Platte City, MO. During this time she was also taking college courses, summer school and thru the U.S. Mail and received her Bachelor of Arts in 1948 from Mt. St. Scholastica.

From 1948-1950 she taught Math and History at Urseline College. In 1950 she joined the Urseline Order of Sisters. Patrice’s education continued earning her a Master’s Degree from Marquette University in May 1954 with a double major in Education and Administration.

Always a leader, she was the principal of St. Agnes Grade School from 1954-1956. She was then tasked with opening and serving as the first principal of Bishop Miege High School until 1960. In 1961, she began as Dean of the Urseline Academy and College. 1963 brought a move to St. Agnes as the principal until 1965.

A fellowship opportunity sent her to Catholic University in Washington, D.C. where she earned her PhD in Education in 1967. Shortly after, Dr. Schmitz was elected to the governing board of the Urseline Sisters. In January of 1970 Patrice began as the President and CEO of Lakemary Center in Paola.

Late in 1974, Patrice took a step to move her life in a new direction and left the Urseline’s. April 6, 1975, Patrice married Manford (Manny) A. Hall. They moved to Virginia and opened an education consulting practice. Patrice also continued on the Board at Lakemary Center.

Lakemary Center requested her return in 1980, where she again served as the President and CEO until her retirement in 1993. After all their work, she and Manny moved to the Lake of the Ozarks and spent many years with friends and family. Even during retirement she served on the Board at Lakemary and the Board of Miami County Bank. Manny preceded her in death on July 4, 2008. In 2010, Patrice moved to Olathe for the winters, deciding to make it her year-round residence in 2016.

Patrice was a visionary leader but her passion was teaching. She loved her students and teaching brought her great joy.

Patrice has many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great-great nieces and nephews from Alaska to New York and Florida. She has many friends and she will be missed be many.

The funeral service is Friday, 4/12 beginning at 10:00 at St. Paul Catholic Church , 21650 W. 115th Ter, Olathe.