Patricia Cheney, 91, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, died at Heritage Court Memory Care, Thursday, January 19, 2017 surrounded by family and the care of Northwest Wisconsin Home Care and Hospice.
Patricia was born on January 20, 1925, the daughter of Carl C. and Dorothy (Hancock) Frederick. She grew up in Fall River, Wisconsin, her first two years of higher education were acquired at Milwaukee Downer for Women, and she went on to receive a Teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1946. She married Donald Eugene Cheney on July 24, 1948 in Fall River. Her lifelong philanthropy to the Wisconsin University System included educational scholarships and funding research for schizophrenia. She also was a longtime member of PEO Chapter BE, and Christ Church Cathedral. She greatly enjoyed the outdoors and outdoor activity including walking, jogging, and cross-country skiing. Travel to various parts of the world defined much of her later life with her husband. Some of her other interests included participation in book club and listening to classical music. Patricia loved her Lower Long Lake cottage, swimming, cooking and entertaining friends and family.
She is survived by her sons, David “Willi” (Betsy Barnes) Cheney and Benjamin Cheney of Eau Claire; daughter, Lynne (David) Mills of Shell Lake; son-in-law, Matt Culberson of Utah; grandchildren, Anna Mills of Shell Lake, Melissa (Josh) Berreth of Montana, Abigail (Andrew) Layer, Megan (Mark) Spurlin, and Joseph Mills all of Minnesota; sister, Barbara Hansen of Georgia; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald E. Cheney; daughter, Julianne; brother-in-law, David Hansen; and her parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD), 60 Cutter Mill Road, Suite 404, Great Neck, NY 11021, info@narsad.org; the YMCA, 700 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701; and The Wellness Shack, Inc., 505 Dewey Street, Suite 101, Eau Claire, WI 54701.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Christ Church Cathedral at 510 S. Farwell Street, Eau Claire with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at the church.
Dear Cheney Children and next generation-
What a beautiful photo of a classic woman…it captures perfectly her energy, engagement, and ever-readiness to share a smile and a kind word. It’s easy to see that her spark is alive and well in the following generations!
Your friends, John and Julie Sirianni
Blessings to the Cheney family. What a beautiful lady and a wonderful family. We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family❤
Love,
Ric and Mary Joyner
Dave (Willi), Betsy and Lynne and all the Cheney family- sending sincere condolences on the passing of dear Pat. Such a great photo of a special person. She will be missed by so many. She certainly enjoyed a full life! God bless~
my deepest condolences to Ben and the Cheney Family at this time of the loss of your mother you are in my thought and prayers.
Joe
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Nancy
Dear Cheney family,
Pat was an amazing woman with an upbeat spirt like no other!
May you all be blessed with peace and comfort in the days ahead.
with love,
John and Ruth Wallace
Dear Lynne, Dave and family,
Just wanted to extend my condolences to all of you. I still remember going to your house, Lynne, and it seemed like your mom was always there to greet us and provide snacks! I’m sure she will be missed.
Sincerely,
Diane