Patricia Mazzu, 89, Warren, PA
On the morning of March 28th, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Patricia Mazzu passed peacefully away at the age of 89. She had almost reached 90 and had recently celebrated her 71st wedding anniversary with her husband, James.
Patricia (Patty) was born August 12th, 1933, the only child of Berniece and Charles Burdick. Her childhood brought her many happy memories, especially from her grandmother Cleary’s farm, running about with her cousins. The farm was her cornerstone, as the family moved about Pennsylvania following her father’s career with Bell Telephone.
Finally, they settled in Warren, PA for good, where Patty attended high school. Following her senior year, Patty met Jim at the Marconi Outing Club along the Allegheny River. After a whirlwind romance, they married on February 9, 1952. Shortly after Jim was drafted for the Korean War. Patty was able to join him for boot camp in Virginia. By December with Jim far away in Korea, Patty brought their first son, Gary, into this world. They spent 16 months together before Jim’s return.
Patty was a quiet girl and a little bit shy. It didn’t stop her though from throwing numerous family gatherings and evening soirees with her Sorority. Mom cherished her times at the Chautauqua Lake cabin and also with her friends, especially those from high school.
Patty was the best mom a kid could ask for. She was Mom not just to her three children, but also to many of our childhood friends. She was the ultimate sports mom, attending football games and track meets; always there in the stands cheering us on or driving us all over the state. Her peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were legendary, always packed along while climbing mountains in the Adirondacks or simply in lunch boxes heading off to school. Her love of the outdoors was reflected in her many camping trips especially to Chapman Dam, as well as many jaunts out back in the woods walking or on cross country skis.
When we were grown Mom continued building her creative side, her own beautiful photographs winning awards. She became an avid collector of dolls and teddy bears. She also raised multiple award-winning show cats, traveling to and from various competitions. Even with all this activity, Mom worked at James Jewelers plus found time to volunteer for years with the Warren County Historical Society.
Patty doted on her granddaughter Jennifer, taking her on trips to Florida, just like she had with her daughter Linda. Patty enjoyed having her son, Tom, living next door with his family. She loved traveling to visit Gary and Linda wherever they lived out west. Her favorite place was Grand Canyon National Park. She stole away and traveled on her own to visit Linda several times.
It’s hard to encapsulate a person’s life in a few paragraphs. Suffice it to say, Patty… Mom… Grandma…. made such a mark on this world. She raised strong, independent children and provided a loving home for family.
Patricia is preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her husband James, her sons Gary and Tom, her daughter Linda and son-in-law Erik Christiansen, her granddaughter Jennifer (Mazzu) Knisley, husband Robert Knisley and two great grandchildren, Richard and Jacob Knisley.
We will miss her light, her smile and her dry sense of humor so very much. We just hope she realized how important she was to us all.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren, PA, on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Richard Tomassone, officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Warren, PA.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Warren County Historical Society, 210 Fourth Ave., Warren, Pa 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.