Obituary of Patricia M. Shilling

Patricia Merlo Shilling, devoted wife of 73 years to the late Warren “Shill” Shilling Sr, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 14th, 2023.  Pat will be lovingly remembered by her 6 children: Warren Shilling (Sandy) of Trumbull, CT, Diane Gmelin (Markus) of Danbury, CT, Tim Shilling (Nancy) of Bridgewater, CT, Casey Foulds (Dave) of Brookfield, CT, Jeff Shilling (Kathy) of Trumbull, CT and Brian Shilling (Karen) of Bethany, CT. Pat also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren, with two more on the way. She was a lifelong resident of Bedford Hills, NY and spent much of her life at her family’s beach house in Fairfield, CT. Pat loved working in her garden, caring for her house plants, a good bottle of wine, being tan, sitting in the sunshine, and collecting sea glass. She devoted her life to being a homemaker and taking care of her large family. She always had an opinion, loved a good sale, and was generous in her giving. Pat enjoyed reading about the Civil War, traveling, swimming in Long Island Sound and coloring. Affectionately called “Grandma,” Pat gave legendary backrubs, had beautiful handwriting, and always kept a crystal candy dish filled with gum drops for her grandchildren. She loved babies, making chicken cutlets, and sending birthday cards in the mail. Above all else, Pat loved being Shill’s wife. They enjoyed watching the world go by on Fairfield Beach, visiting with friends, sitting side by side in their chairs, and holding hands right up until the very end.

The family would like to thank the staff of Church Hill Village in Newtown, CT for lovingly caring for “our Grandma,” for the last 18 months of her life.

Memorial donations may be made in Pat’s name to: RVNA Hospice, who provided exceptional care with great kindness.  27 Governors St.  Ridgefield, CT 06877 Or, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, where Pat regularly donated, no matter how many times she received an envelope in the mail. St. Jude's Children's Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.