LANCASTER—Patricia Anne Stager Willis, 83, of Lancaster County, passed away on Wednesday February 21, 2024, after a courageous battle with a terminal illness.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Patricia moved to the Northern Neck in 2004 with her beloved husband, James Stewart Willis II, who preceded her in death.
Patricia was a lifelong lover of books, reading everything from classics to mysteries to biographies. She often stayed up late to finish a captivating story, sometimes reading well until dawn. She also enjoyed watching a variety of different game shows and playing Scrabble with her family and friends, always challenging them with her extensive vocabulary and clever wordplay. She had a sharp wit, free-spirited sense of humor and a warm smile that brightened any room.
Besides family, Patricia’s greatest joy was her Pomeranians, who were her faithful companions. She showered them with affection and pampered them with treats and toys.
Patricia is survived by her three children, J. Stewart Willis III, Sandra Willis with her husband Jason Lattimore, and Jennifer Willis Harnisch with her husband Oliver Harnisch; her sister, Nancy Stager Mattia; and her brother, Lawrence Stager with his wife Tami Stager; and four grandchildren, Madeline Willis with her husband Hady Mansare, James Willis IV, Ava Lattimore and Helen Moritz.
A celebration of life will be held from 2-5 p.m. March 17 at Patricia’s home. Friends and family are welcome to attend and share their memories of Patricia. Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Riverside Hospice, P.O. Box 833, Warsaw, VA 22572 in Patricia’s name.
