Obituary of Patricia J. Willis
Patricia Jan Chapple Willis entered this world on July 28, 1954. She was the youngest of three, the beloved daughter of Howard and Elizabeth. From the very start, it was clear she was a little bit magical. Patti grew up in a house full of laughter, mischief, and the smell of home-cooked meals, alongside her siblings, Tom and Susie.
Patti was a Bloomfield Central School alumna, and just days after graduation, she married the love of her life, Jon, on 7/1/72, taking his last name, becoming Patti Willis. Patti and Jon were married for 53 wonderful years, during which they gave life to three children: Jon, Carrie, and Taylor. Her children became her greatest purpose and source of pride.
Along with raising her children, Patti spent many years of life working as a nurse; spending her life caring for others with gentle hands, a big heart, and quick humor that could cure just about anything. Much of her nursing career was within the walls of Strong Memorial Hospital, a short time travel nursing in Brooklyn, with her more recent years being private in-home nursing.
Patti will be remembered not only for her strength, warmth, and compassion but also for the small quirks that made her who she was—her love of Pepsi, "pizza?!", chicken wings, pinwheel cookies, soup, horses, and an oddly affectionate appreciation for slugs. Her humor will be deeply missed but carried within all that loved to share a laugh. She never ate the last bite on her plate, a quiet gesture that said so much about her thoughtful and giving nature.
Patti is survived by her husband, Jon K. Willis; her children, Jon M. (Elke Schmitt) Willis, Carrie Willis, and Taylor (Mitchell) Miller; her grandchildren, Hailey (Matthew) Picchi, Sean and Keara Kirkpatrick, Isabelle and Evelyn Miller; her great-grandchildren, Luca and Carmen Picchi; her siblings, Thomas (Judy) Chapple and Susan (David) Fraser; numerous loving nieces and nephews; and a large family of Willis in-laws whom she loved wholeheartedly.
Patti was a proud and loving matriarch whose presence brought comfort, laughter, and unwavering support to everyone she held dear.
Though Patti's journey in this world concluded on May 22, 2025, she now wanders in a peaceful realm reunited with her parents, Howard and Elizabeth Chapple, and her dear grandson and best friend, Caden Willis. Yet, her story lives on—etched forever in the hearts of all who loved her.
A private memorial will be held by the family to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Patricia's memory by sharing a story, performing a kind deed, or raising a toast of Pepsi to the sky—just as Patti would have wished.
