Patricia Joan Luft

Patricia Joan (McShea) Luft, 67, of Mansfield, beloved wife of 48 years of Paul J. Luft, died Monday Jan. 12, 2004 after a courageous 4 year battle with cancer. She was born July 31, 1936 in Windham, the daughter of the late John F. and Mary-Jane (Meikle) McShea. She lived in Mansfield most of her life where she drove school bus for 8 years and worked in banking until retiring in 1997. She enjoyed reading, traveling and spending her winters in Myrtle Beach, SC. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she touched the lives of many. Her greatest treasure was her family, especially her grandchildren. In addition to her husband Paul, she is survived by her 2 daughters; Lori Turner of Mansfield and Terri Olesen of Tolland, a son Andrew Luft and his wife Connie of Lebanon. She is also survived by her 3 cherished grandchildren; Mikayla and Alexis Luft and Joseph Olesen, 2 brothers; James McShea of Bolton and Patrick McShea of Columbia, MS., 2 sisters; Mary Podolak of Gainsville, VA. and Margaret Smolack of Newington as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother John McShea and 2 sisters, Helen Smith and Genevieve Wood. Her family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10:00am at St. Joseph Church 99 Jackson St. Willimantic, with assembly at the church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests memorial donations to Hospice of Eastern CT., or VNA East, both at 34 Ledgebrook Dr., Mansfield Center, Ct. 06250.