Patricia Ann Schexnayder

Born on June 21, 1936, in Lake City, Florida, Patricia showed remarkable courage at just 18 years old when she left home to attend Touro Infirmary School of Nursing in New Orleans. That decision led to a nursing career spanning more than 50 years, caring for patients at Prevost Memorial Hospital in Donaldsonville until her retirement at age 78. Louisiana became her home, where she married Irving Schexnayder and raised five children.

Patricia was fiercely independent. Though she spent most of her life in Louisiana, Lake City always held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed reading, old movies, music, playing the piano, gardening, puzzles, a good cup of coffee, and occasionally declaring a hot fudge sundae an acceptable dinner. She was rarely seen without her signature red lipstick.

She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, playful spirit, and the example she set through a life of hard work, resilience, and love for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, C.C. and Eula Shepard; her sister, Martha Jane Temple; and her daughter-in-law, Stephanie Schexnayder.

She is survived by her children, Carl Michael Schexnayder, Catherine Martinez (Wayne), Barbara Martin, Melissa Shaw (David), and Lizabeth Simoneaux; her 11 grandchildren, Susan Glueck (Ben), Mike Schexnayder, Laura Martinez (Amanda), Alison Sullivan (Michael), James Martin (Gabrielle), Meghan Buckley (David), Beth Ramos (Christian), Erin Chustz (Tyler), and Robert, Madeline, and Lillian Simoneaux; 12 great-grandchildren and her sister, Merry Lou Shepard Bradley.

Visitation will be held at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church on June 29, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Mausoleum.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Francois Bend Senior Living and In His Care Hospice for the compassionate care shown to Patricia.