Patricia (Ginger) Lee Abitz, departed this earthly life on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Brewster Villaige in Appleton.  Pat was born in Wisconsin Rapids on August 18, 1935, to Alson L. and Florence (Sweeney) Cole.  She lived in Nekoosa, WI until her family moved to Appleton where she attended 8th and 9th grade at St. Joseph Catholic School.  Following her 1953 graduation from Appleton High School she moved to Milwaukee with her parents.  She returned to Appleton in 1955.

Patricia married Robin Long, had four children, and then continued her education with 2 years at the Outagamie County teachers College.  She finished her bachelor's degree at U. W. Oshkosh.  Pat then taught 5th and 6th grades in Appleton and continued her education at U. W. Eau Claire where she earned a master's degree in elementary teaching.  She taught in the Appleton Area School District for 25 years.

Pat was a member and president of the Appleton Jaycettes.  She co-taught 8th grade religious classes in the evening at St. Joseph School.  Pat was active in the AAUW where she played in bridge marathons.

On August 16, 1986, Patricia was united in marriage to Daniel L. Abitz at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Appleton.  Daniel taught her to fish, deer hunt, and observe wildlife.  She could go in the woods all day dressed in her blaze orange with her 30-06 BAR and still be a lady.  Pat enjoyed camping, especially in Alaska, and their Roberts Lake cottage.  She liked reading, traveling, playing cards, and taking care of grandchildren.  Pat enjoyed her monthly domino game with her school friends.

Patricia Abitz served on the Town of Grand Chute Park Commission for 25 years helping to develop Lion's, Patriot, Prairie Hill, and Arrowhead Parks.  She worked as a poll worker for the Town of Grand Chute.  Pat served on the Executive Board of the Outagamie County Republican Party.  She enjoyed serving her Lord at St. Bernard Church as sacristan and at funeral dinners.

Pat dearly loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her husband, Daniel, all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Pat is survived by her husband, Daniel, her children:  Lisa Frye, Brookfield, Pam (John) Guehlstorf, Milwaukee, Karen Morin, Neenah, Timothy Long, Appleton, step-son Jeffrey Abitz, Appleton, and step-daughter Kelly Camber, Appleton; her grandchildren:  Sean (Sarah) Frye, Chloe (Jake) Newbauer, and Bailey Morin; step-grandchildren:  Zachariah Abitz, Sean Camber and Ryan Camber; great-grandchildren:  Danity Riojas, Madelyn Frye, Jacob Newbauer, Lilly Newbauer, and Charlie Newbauer.  She is further survived by her sisters-in-law:  Rita Cole, Donna Abitz, and Gretchen (Keith) Brei, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Alson and Florence Cole; her siblings:  Shirley Douglas and James Cole; and in-laws:  Willy and Lorraine Abitz and Bill Abitz.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, March 4, 2024, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine St. Appleton.  Friends may visit from 9:30 am until 10:45 am before the service.  Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.