Patricia H. McHugh

Patricia Helen “Pat” McHugh,82 of Sparta, Wisconsin passed away peacefully July 29, 2025 at Morrow Home Community Memory Care.

Pat was born November 25,1942 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Francis and Helen (Schnell) McHugh. She graduated from Holmen High School in 1960. Pat received a Bachelors Degree, and later a Masters Degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. She also received Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Music from The College of St. Scholastica and a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from University of Wisconsin Stout.

Pat served thirty years as a Benedictine Sister with St. Bede’s in Eau Claire, and spent the first half of her adult life teaching K-12 vocal and instrumental music. She then spent several years as a Therapist with University of Wisconsin La Crosse and Mayo Health System. She was an office manager for Reinhart Food Services toward the end of her career.

Pat had a lifelong love for music. She played piano and sang at many family holiday celebrations, much to the enjoyment of her nieces and nephews. She also played at several of their wedding ceremonies later on. Pat also enjoyed her pet bunnies for many years.

Pat is survived by her brothers, Roger McHugh (Jean), Tom McHugh (Sally), Dan McHugh (Sharon), and Bill McHugh; as well as her many nieces and nephews, and their families. She is also survived by her lifelong friend and travel companion, Dolores Simonson and family, who included Pat like another member of their family.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Paul McHugh; her parents; and her sister-in-law, Jessica.

The family is grateful for the loving care provided by the staffs at Morrow Home Bridgepath and St. Croix Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta. Burial will follow the luncheon at the Catholic Cemetery, in La Crosse.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

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