Patricia Grace Vinsonhaler

Patricia Grace Vinsonhaler of Mansfield Center, Connecticut passed away on September 8, 2015. She is survived by her husband Charles Vinsonhaler III, her two children Rebecca and Charles Vinsonhaler IV, as well as her siblings Kathleen Gilloran (Tom) of Guilford Connecticut and Mary Divver (Mark) of Seekonk, Massachusetts. Patricia was born in East Aurora, NY, a suburb of Buffalo. Her family moved to Guilford, Connecticut when Patricia was 13 years old. In Guilford she developed a passion for swimming and water exercise. Patricia demonstrated strong artistic talent and upon high school graduation she enrolled in Chamberlain College for the Arts. Transferring to UConn for the opportunities available, Patricia began a study of textile arts and graduated with a M.F.A. After graduation she quickly passed the certification for teachers and began teaching 7th grade in Southbury, Connecticut. At UConn she met her husband, Charles Vinsonhaler III, a Professor in the Department of Mathematics, whom she married in 1976. In later years Patricia would become a proud and dedicated mother. Patricia always rejoiced in her children's accomplishments, regardless of their size. Patricia will be remembered for her infinite kindness, her undying grace, and her thoughtful generosity - friends rarely left a party without one of her specially hand crafted pieces. We are lucky there is so much to remember her by. A private burial will be held this Saturday. There will also be a larger celebration of her life at the Storrs Congregational Church on Saturday November 28, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Storrs Congregational Church.