Patricia Grace Winans VanDeWater, fondly known as “Mugsy” by her five children, passed away on January 7, 2019 at the age of 77 in Danbury, CT with her daughter Sheila and son-in-law, Kyle, by her side. Pat, one of eight children, grew up in Danbury, CT and was a graduate of Western Connecticut State University. Her children are very grateful to the two men who saved her life when she was struck by a vehicle 13 years ago and to the wonderful medical staff at Western Rehabilitation Center for taking such good care of her as her health declined over the last decade.
Pat adored her “massively talented” children, and often bragged to strangers about our “massive accomplishments” (often in reference to something as mundane as an almost-perfect report card or a mediocre dance recital). She loved food — there were several Danbury restaurants where the staff knew her by name and she could order her “usual.” She especially loved Whitman’s chocolates on Valentine’s Day and vanilla ice cream. She loved fresh flowers, especially lilacs. And she loved singing in her unique falsetto.
Pat had a difficult life, but as her dementia progressed, she was happier in her final days. Even though she couldn't communicate as well, she lit up a room with her smile and sparkling green eyes whenever someone would visit or a nurse would attend to her. She flirted with the male staff. Sometimes she would steal vanilla ice cream cups off the other patients’ trays. She laughed freely and her laugh was contagious. She won the hearts of her caretakers. She was truly one of a kind and we will miss her.
A memorial service will be held at Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury, February 16, 11–12 for friends; 12–3 for family. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in her name, we recommend NAMI.org or the Family Justice Center of Georgetown County (https://www.fjcgtownhorry.org/).
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