Patricia Anne
Touchett
Patricia Ann Touchett (Nee Quade) found peace August 30, 2020, at the age of 80 with her loved ones by her side. Preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Florence. Loving mother of Jayme Evan (Elizabeth). Devoted grandma of Julie, Bryan and Megan. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Patricia was born November 20, 1939 in Milwaukee, WI to Alfred and Florence Quade. She graduated high school from St. Mary’s Academy of Milwaukee in 1957, received her bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and her master’s degree from Missouri University both in Mathematics. She spent her early career teaching at Waukesha Technical College and later, after her Master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She was co-author of several mathematics books, but truly loved when students learned complex concepts.
Outside of the classroom, Pat enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and friends and doing a variety of volunteer work. Her love of traveling started with a visit to see her son in Al Ain, UAE and continued with trips to Greece, Australia, Egypt, Africa, Central America, several trips to Europe, attended a wedding in Scotland, and back to Dubai, UAE. She enjoyed doing Elder Hostels, trips with the Red Hat Society and even survived a family Trip to Disney with 3 small grandkids. She loved watching various sporting events, dance, music recitals and school events for her grandkids. The grandkids remember learning to play cribbage, helping with cookie fest and holidays with grandma wearing either a Packers or kitty sweatshirt. She was a Packer season ticket holder and would often turn these weekends into mini vacations making a stop at the area casino. She ushered at the Performing Art Center and Milwaukee Repertory Theatre and would sign up for all of the shows that she wanted to watch over and over again, especially Phantom of the Opera. She loved her cats and anything that reminded her of them. She was an active member at St. Therese Parish serving on the parish council, as Eucharistic minister, greeter and lector. Pat was kind hearted, generous, and demonstrated a patience that was beyond measure and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We want to send a special thank you to the amazing team at the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit with Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center.
A visitation will be held Friday, September 4th, at St. Therese Parish (9525 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee) beginning at 10:00 am with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00 am. Memorials may be given to a charity of your choice in Patricia’s memory.
Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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I worked with Pat for years before she retired from UWM, but more than that, she was my good friend then and in every year since. Pat provided me with friendship, and companionship – we went to plays and concerts and literally had hundreds of meals together!! She was a sounding board for me and helped me as a mentor after my parents died. She also took me to my only game at Lambeau Field and I still remember every detail – and yet this happened ten years ago this October. She was also a person of strong faith and we shared that too. After one of my parents died, I remember asking her “How does someone know they’re in heaven and not just having a dream??” She told me “Jesus tells them; Jesus helps them know.” I know she was given a wonderful welcome there but I miss her here and will always miss her.
I remember my cousin, Pat, from day one of my life. We eventually enjoyed a fun time on a houseboat on the Mississippi River with our families! That was many years ago also as they are all grown and have families of their own now. A sad time for Evan and his family . So sorry. Remember all of the great times you had with her and she enjoyed her family and was very proud of each of you.
Our sympathy to you.
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Pat and I both started working at UWM on the same day, August 31, 1982, as academic staff lecturers in the Department of Learning Skills. She taught math courses to students who did not place into college algebra (Math 090 and 095). By 1985 she was also coordinating academic resources in the learning center. She also taught some evening trigonometry classes at MATC as an ad hoc instructor.
We worked as a team starting in 1995 when Pat became the Coordinator to the newly created Tutoring and Academic Resource Center (TARC) where I served as Director. She hired and supervised, trained and evaluated math, science, and business tutors; supervised payroll and office staff; oversaw the operation and technology for the Academic Resource Center; and directed services during summer sessions until her retirement in 2003. She was known for her good nature, for her math and computer expertise, and as a supportive, dependable administrator.
Pat was exemplary for her volunteer service both within the university and in the community. Most notable was her election and service on the UWM Academic Staff Committee in the early 2000s. After her retirement, she volunteered at TARC (later Panther Academic Support Services (PASS) at various times until 2010. She was also a founding member of the Midwest College Learning Center Association in 1985, and served as MCLCA treasurer from 1989-1991.
She will be deeply missed by her colleagues, former tutors and math students.
I worked with Pat at UWM, and remember her fondly as a woman who spoke truth to power. We were on a committee together when she decided to retire, and she taught me the value of making sure to enjoy life while you can. Wonderful woman! My condolences to Pat’s family and friends.
My condolences to Pat’s family. She was a super sweet lady. For many years she was on our bowling league at Bowlero. I knew the fun side of her. She was ther almost every week. I was the league’s secretary & she was our treasurer, keeping me accountable! I know she will be missed. Prayers for her family.