Patricia Ann Andrews, 81, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Patricia was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 5, 1941; she was a daughter of the late Jerome and Catherine (Healy) Schaefer. Patricia grew up in Babylon, New York, and graduated from Babylon High School where she earned her reputation as an extremely driven and organized individual, from her membership in many clubs, the 1957 IOOF United Nations Pilgrimage and role as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper.
A Ridgefield resident for more than 40 years, Patricia was very active in town and state non-profits, serving as President of the Connecticut Federation of Women's Clubs from 1996-1998, raising and deploying millions of dollars in aid and volunteer hours. Patricia was also a member of the State of Connecticut’s Promise to Our Youth Steering Committee 1998-2000, and part of the International Leadership Committee of the General Federation of Women's Clubs 1998-2000.
An avid gardener who was devoted to her beautiful plants and flowers, Patricia donated considerable time and expertise to Ridgefield’s Caudatowa Garden Club, serving on the Executive Board since 1999. Early in her career she worked for IBM, and later in life was a receptionist and administrative aide for Ridgefield Crossings/Benchmark Senior Care, where she has voted 2017 Employee of the Year, and part of the team that won the Trilogy of Excellence Award. She was also a member of St. Mary’s Church of Ridgefield.
Patricia is survived by her daughter, Kristin Andrews of Ridgefield; son, David Andrews and his wife Janet of South Salem, NY, and her beloved grandchildren, Aidan and Caroline Andrews; her siblings, Virginia Denien, Lawrence Schaefer and his wife Eileen, Victoria Klauser and her husband Kenneth, and Arleen Schaefer; along with many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by close family member June Wohlhorn.The eldest of six siblings, Patricia was predeceased by her brothers Robert and Stephen Schaefer.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately; there will be no calling hours. Contributions in Patricia’s memory may be made to the Ridgefield Women’s Club – Evelyn C. Peeler Children’s Holiday Gift Fund: 54 Danbury Road #218; Ridgefield, CT 06877.
Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in care of funeral arrangements.
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