She was born in the Bronx, New York on March 13, 1928 to Florence (Goetz) and Robert G. Skillman. An only child, Pat grew up in the city during the Great Depression. She was an independent "latch key" kid and excelled in school while both her parents worked to make ends meet. Her one self proclaimed "moment of glory" was graduating Valedictorian from the Parkway School in 1941. She then continued her education at the Scudder School, learning the skills she would need to enter the work force at a time when most women became wives and mothers.
She met Christian F. Hensler just before he left to fight overseas in WWII and they corresponded long distance until his honorable discharge. They married on November 15, 1947 in the Bronx and began their life together. Pat worked for a Public Relations firm and a Realtor before starting her family and raising 3 daughters. She and Chris lived in the Bronx,NY, then moved to Massapequa Park, Long Island, NY then finally settled upstate in Somers, NY where Pat was a professional secretary for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for many years.
Part of retired life was spent as a snowbird splitting time between New York and Florida before finally becoming a Florida resident in the 1990's where Pat and Chris owned homes in New Port Richey, then Spring Hill. They loved to visit friends in the Carolinas and explore historic sites and museums. They were married for 52 years when she was widowed in 1999 and their motto "separate but equal" became a reality. Pat was an avid reader and loved to swim. She adored her grandchildren and playing games with them including Uno and Scrabble. She was also the official proofreader for my father's poetry as they both shared a passion for the written word.
She is survived by her daughters; Suzanne Vanderbeck of PA, Christine Donley (son-in- law Charles) of Brooksville, Fl and Lynne Simone of Land O Lakes, Fl. Grandchildren; Michael Cinelli (Natalie), Caitlin Mirabella (Javen) Rachael Simone and William Simone. Great Grandchild; Ayanna Hope Neyesu Mirabella
A simple burial service will be held graveside at the Florida Veterans National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on Wednesday, September 15 at 10am. where she will be reunited with her husband, Chris. Those wishing to attend and pay respects should meet at the entrance gate to Bushnell at 9:30. All are welcome.
Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, Fl 33513
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that monetary
donations be made to either
NAMI The National Alliance on Mental Illness
Mental illness (including anxiety and depression) affects 1 in 5 adults. Your donation will help fight the stigma and educate the public.
Touching Nations Today
http://www.touchingnationstoday.org/home
TNT directly serves as a sending and support ministry for missionaries operating on multiple continents, and works with ministries both domestic and abroad.
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