News
Patricia Schanzer
Easthampton, MA – Patricia Ellen (Melega) Schanzer, age 63, a life long resident of Easthampton, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, surrounded by her loving and devoted family.
She was born in Northampton on November 8, 1960 and she was the daughter of the late Christine Reid (Brough) Melega and George Anthony Melega.
Patricia was educated in the Easthampton public schools and graduated from Easthampton High School in the class of 1978. Shortly after her graduation she started her military career enlisting with the United States Army on October 20, 1978 and served at Westcom-Pl before her honorable discharge on October 10th, 1981. In January of 1989 she re-enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserves at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee. She was activated for duty during Operation Desert Storm from December 3rd 1990 through July 31st of 1991. Upon her return to Westover, Patricia achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, serving with the Patriot Honor Guard until her honorable discharge on October 10th 2007. She received many citations during career including, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 4 oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with 1 service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Overseas Service Ribbon and numerous other medals and ribbons during her long career. Pat was dedicated to military life and enjoyed spending time with her comrades in the Officers’ Club. She also gave her time, energy, and devotion to serving in the Honor Guard at Military burials. Patricia also was employed for a period of time at the Northampton Veterans Administration Hospital and she also worked at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital as a Unit Secretary.
Pat loved to read frequently and can easily go through a novel per week, Daniel Steel, Mary Higgins Clark ect. She was very athletic and avidly played tennis, candlepin bowling and mixed league softball. She loved the outdoors and yearly on Maine camping trips she would be found participating in water sports, relaxing on the sunny beach, participating in a highly competitive game of cribbage, while sipping a savory glass of Riesling. She was an Oenophile. She loved attending sporting events with her favorites being a season holder at U Mass Basketball and Baltimore Oriole games at Camden Yards. Her intrigue with American history and on her travel Journeys she would be found visiting historic sites, museums and recreated historical events.
Pat’s top priority was spending quality time with her son Tyler as she would take him to various fun places such as Santa’s Village, Story Land, Water Parks, Camping and Science Centers. Pat always placed the needs of others above herself and she touched the hearts of everyone she met. She indeed lived a wonderful life and lived her life to the fullest.
Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Emil Schanzer of Easthampton, cherished son; Tyler P. Schanzer of Greensboro, N.C., loving brother; George C. Melega and his wife Ruth Stevens Melega, loving sister; Ann M. (Melega) Boehn and her husband Richard L. Boehn Jr., nephews; Kevin G. Melega and his wife Amanda (Nadeau) Melega, Daniel C. Melega and his wife Brigid (Manion) Melega, niece; Christina R. (Boehn) Miller and her husband Steven Miller, 4 great nieces; Madeline Camille, Addison Marie, Juliette Rose, Charlotte Ruth and many dear friends.
Funeral Services for Pat will be conducted with Calling Hours on Tuesday, May 28th from 3-7pm at the Graham Funeral Home, 18 Adams Street in Easthampton. A liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 29th at 11am at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 33 Adams Street in Easthampton, friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial with Military Honors will follow the liturgy at the Brookside Cemetery in Easthampton. Donations are requested to the College Church, 48 Pomeroy Terrace, Northampton, MA. 01060 in Pat’s Memory. For online condolences, please visit robertwgrahamfuneralhome.com
Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on May 27, 2024.
