Obituary of Patricia Colleen Shilling

Patricia Colleen Curran Shilling, 81 (Aug28, 1930 - March 3, 2012) was born in Spokane WA to James Wesley and Mary Marguerita "Marge" (Chasse) Curran. In 1944 she came to Lodi and graduated from Lodi Union High School in 1948. She worked for the City of Lodi as a Senior Accounting Clerk (wpm 120) and later at Pacific Coast Producers. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald L. Shilling in 1951, and was the devoted, beloved mother of three, grandmother of one, and foster mother of two. Throughout her life, Pat was actively involved in organizations focusing on children, PTA, Camp Fire Girls, Catholic Charities and Hogar Paz y Bien, a Guaymas orphanage. A talented bread baker, Pat won ribbons at the Lodi Grape Festival, raised prize winning begonias, and champion Golden Retrievers. With her Camp Fire Troop and supportive friends she created many grape murals for the Festival. Pat enjoyed music and dancing, was an avid reader and a happy camper and outdoorswoman. Her passion for genealogy took her across the U.S., Canada and Ireland. Pat loved exploring and travel, and could be ready to go anywhere at a moments notice, as long as she had her morning coffee. She had many dear friends and Pat leaves them with fond memories of adventures, gatherings and time spent together. Pat was a member of At. Anne's Catholic Church, Women of the Moose, Retired Teamsters, and NW Montana and South Dakota Historical Societies. Positive and enthusiastic, Pat always noticed and remarked on the beauty around her. She cherished time with friends and family. Pat passed away in San Francisco from a sudden illness with family at her side. She leaves a legacy of love, kindness and encouragement, and would remind us today "Everything will be all right". She leaves her beloved husband of 61 years, Donald L. Shilling, children Marguerite A. Shilling of Citrus Heights, Mary D. Bippus of Stockton, Donald D. Shilling of Lodi, grandson Matthew W. Bippus of Colorado Springs, CO. She is Survived by her brother James W. Curran of Mercer Island WA and sister, Cherie A. Strain of Roseville. She leaves numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family and very dear friends. A memorial service will held at Rocha's Mortuary 215 South School Street on Saturday March 17, at 11:00 am. followed by a Celebration of Life at The Dancing Fox, 203 S School St. At her request, she will be inurned at Lodi Memorial Cemetery and Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell, with her mother. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the charity of your choice, or consider taking a loved one on a special outing in honor of our beloved Pat.