Patricia Lee Shack

Patricia Lee (Timmis) Shack died peacefully at her home in Sparta, NJ on April 8. The daughter of Willard Bailey Timmis and Edna Timmis, Pattie was born in 1944, in Warren PA. She leaves behind three sons, three daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.

While studying at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pattie met Elliot Lawrence Shack, a budding optometrist who was the love of her life. Together they raised four sons, and built a thriving business — Elliot was “The Eye Drx,” and Pattie oversaw design and construction of the offices in the NJ chain. Theirs was a true partnership, and throughout their 48-year marriage, Elliot regularly marveled at his good luck in winning the heart of his “beauty queen.”

A dedicated boy mom, Pattie was happiest when her home — first in Scranton, PA; then Bloomfield, Glen Ridge and finally Sparta, NJ — was filled with the laughter of her sons and their friends. While some of Pattie’s own friends and relatives might refer to life at the Shack’s as having the energy of “Animal House,” she didn’t care how much noise or trouble the boys made. Pattie was a true animal lover, she loved and raised many dogs throughout her life. Everyone was welcome, and food and conversation flowed at all times; it was a point of pride for Pattie that no one left her house hungry, or bored.

Pattie loved art, architecture, and the history that went with it. Her hobbies included gardening, decorating, antiquing and going to art shows. In her later years, she especially enjoyed day trips to explore New Hope, PA and its antique stores, galleries and restaurants. But her true passion was spending time with her family, and her favorite day of the year was Thanksgiving, which she spent surrounded by her adored grandchildren and her dogs.

Pattie is survived by her loving family, including three of her sons and their wives, David and Suzanne Shack, Daniel and Desiree Shack and Michael Shack and Catherine Batacan; Dylan, Jason, Samantha, Alexis and Marisa —the five grandchildren who filled her days with joy — and her dear friend Henry Keller; and her much-loved niecesand nephews, Tim Day, Debbie Murray, Denise Rougeux, Cindy Hultberg, and Karen Babcock. She was predeceased by her husband Elliot, her beloved son Jonathan and her sister Janet Day.

Funeral services will be held 12:30pm Tuesday, April 12 at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street in Sparta with interment following immediately in Sparta Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Humane Society by clicking the link below.