(née Gregory) 83, passed away gracefully and peacefully Monday, August 23, 2021, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, David, her daughter Dawn and her son Mark, along with her 6 grandchildren.
Patsy Steinbach, “Nana”, was a rare soul who personified joy and kindness. She had an irresistible charm that drew you in and always made you feel as if you were in her inner circle.
Patsy remembered her childhood days in Oshkosh fondly. You could hear the nostalgia in her voice as she recounted fun times and misadventures with friends, brother Bill, and sister Donna. It was there that she attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh pursuing her passion for teaching.
One day, running to class in a green and blue ankle length coat, she caught the attention and admiration of David Steinbach. Winning her affection was the greatest gift David could ever receive. They got engaged in her senior year, and were happily married in 1960.
The young couple moved to Brookfield where Patsy taught Kindergarten in Wauwatosa for four years before giving birth to their first child, Dawn and 2 years later their son Mark came along. The following years were painful with the loss of their third child, Gregory, a pain she quietly held for the rest of her life.
Upon returning to work, she taught Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade. She finished her Master’s degree at Cardinal Stritch and became a reading specialist, as well as the coordinator for the gifted and talented programs at Marcy Elementary School. Patsy then began teaching educators how to incorporate literature into their classrooms, presenting seminars at Cardinal Stritch and UW-Milwaukee.
She was intelligent, athletic, and heavily involved in her community; she became the first woman president of the Brookfield Tennis Club. She ushered for the Rep, and volunteered at the butterfly exhibit for the Milwaukee Public Museum as well as being educator at the Milwaukee Public Zoo. Later, she became an avid pickleball player and stayed active well into her eighties. Her many accomplishments and numerous activities are a testament to her unending pep, energy, and joyous view of life.
Throughout her working and retired years, the house was full of laughter and people of all ages. Her impeccable hosting skills drew large groups - all were welcome. She and Dave hosted family, friends, and colleagues, and even opened their home to their children’s friends, providing a warm place for memories to be made.
Though small in stature, Patsy had a fearless “do-it-yourself” attitude. Her determination and DIY skills were impressive. From finishing a rec area for people to gather in Patsy and David’s basement, to rehabbing furniture, knitting garments, and sewing anything she put her mind to, pattern or not. Her homemade banana bread was as legendary as her stylish fashion sense.
Having an ever-curious mind, Patsy was excited to learn through first-hand experiences. Throughout her life, she travelled far and often, bringing friends and family along when she could. When the kids were growing up, the family would go on annual trips to Florida with huge groups of friends. The days were filled with tennis, walks on the beach, and seaside adventures. Later in life, she travelled to more exotic locales; from Thailand to Europe, China, and the Canary Islands. An adventure dear to her heart was a tour of Australia and New Zealand with her husband, brother-in-law Don Steinbach, sister-in-law Marylin Berkvam, and dear friends Sally and Jim Trotier.
Patsy relished all that her community and Milwaukee had to offer. She regularly attended ballet performances, concerts, plays, museums, and the Milwaukee zoo, often sharing the experiences with friends and relatives. When she became a grandmother, her love for teaching grew exponentially. Patsy was a loving Nana to six grandkids: Adam, Austin, Sydney (children of Mark and Traci) and Craig, Danielle, and Marina (children of Dawn and Craig), and she and David treated her grandchildren to many thrilling destinations like New York, Florida, and even a cruise to the Caribbean. Her grandkids all adored their Nana and inherited her passion for reading, travel, her trademark sass, and ability to laugh at themselves.
In March of 2021, Patsy was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Even in the face of this daunting diagnosis, her love of life and those around her never dimmed. She passed away gracefully and peacefully in her home surrounded by love.
So many adventures, so many cute outfits, and countless hearts touched along the way. There will never be another like our wonderful mom, beautiful wife, caring Nana and loving Patsy Steinbach.
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