Patricia Legate

Legate, Patricia
Passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the age of 82 years.

With hearts full of love and remembrance, we honor the life of Patricia “Pat” Legate, affectionately known to many as Grams, who was born on May 11, 1943. Pat was a deeply loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose presence brought comfort, laughter, and creativity to all who knew her.

Pat was cherished by all of her sisters and brothers and was the heart of her family. She had a natural gift for caring for others and was always willing to talk someone through a hard time. Her advice was honest and direct—true tough love—always given with compassion and the best intentions.

A creative soul, Pat loved arts and crafts, painting, drawing, coloring, and puzzles. She was an avid reader, especially enjoying crime and romance novels, and she never lost her playful side, delighting in Mario games on the Super Nintendo and phone app games. She loved orchids, her favorite flower, and teal being one of the many favorite colors of hers. She enjoyed cranberries, sweet and sour chicken, and even had a fond appreciation for grapefruit, despite not being able to eat it.

Pat’s imagination knew no bounds. She loved coming up with new and creative food ideas and inventing games on the spot to bring family together. Her sense of humor was truly one of a kind—she delighted in making up funny words and phrases that will forever echo in the memories of those who loved her. She also loved to sing her heart out, whether celebrating a happy moment or simply passing the time.
Pat adored her cats, loving each one dearly throughout her many years. She also had a giving spirit and volunteered whenever she had the opportunity, always ready to help where she was needed.

Pat is survived by her loving children David Hartwig, Linda Hartwig, and Rich Hartwig (Lisa), Bill Hartwig (Amy); her grandchildren Zachary Hartwig (Ashley), Andrew Hartwig, Drew Hartwig, Lauren Hedegore, and Caitlin Hartwig; her great-grandchildren; her sister Bonnie; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, brothers, and other beloved family members and friends.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring and compassionate staff at Dimensions Living in Beaver Dam for the kindness, comfort, and dedication shown to Pat.

Grams had such a delightfully quirky sense of humor that even her after-life wishes were unmistakably her — she requested either being launched from a catapult into the marsh or donating her body to science, proving that even in her final plans, she was determined to get one last laugh.

In honor of Pat’s curiosity, humor, and appreciation for science, memorial donations may be made to:
🧠 The Neuroscience Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin
Supporting innovative research into the brain and neurological disorders, helping advance understanding, treatment, and hope for the future.

https://mcwsupport.mcw.edu/nrc?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Pat’s legacy lives on through the love she gave so freely, the laughter she inspired, and the countless memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

"Those we love don’t leave us
When they go beyond our sight.
They walk beside us softly,
In quiet moments, day and night.
In laughter shared, in songs once sung,
In kindness taught and love well-shown,
Her spirit lives within our hearts—
We are never left alone.
Until we meet again someday,
May memories hold us tight,
And love remain our guiding light."

Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is proudly serving the Legate family.

• Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home
• 225 W. Main Street Waterford, Wi 53185
• 262-534-2233
• www.stencelfh.com