In Memory
Patricia A. (Sisel) Sell
October 5, 1934 ~ February 9, 2026 (age 91)
With profound grace and surrounded by love, Patricia Ann Sell (Sisel), 91, passed into eternal rest on February 9, 2026, at her home in South Bend, Indiana. She was born October 5, 1934, in her grandmother's farmhouse in Slovan, Wisconsin to Laura Marguerite (Rubens) and Gordon Patrick Sisel. She was the oldest sister to Diane, who passed away at an early age, and Dale Sisel (deceased 2014), whom she loved dearly. Later in life, Pat discovered she was also half-sister to Betty Koehn and Hilda Lynch, with whom she formed loving bonds.
Pat treasured her childhood years navigating between the city life of Milwaukee and the natural rhythms of the farm, both shaping her independent spirit. In 1955, she married her high school sweetheart Robert Charles Sell. She fondly recalled the story of spotting him as a young man helping with electrical work at her grandmother's farm, telling her cousin Jackie, "I want to marry a man like that someday." Though initially drawn to his appearance, it was Bob's quiet confidence that captured her heart. Their love story spanned fifty-eight beautiful years until his passing in 2013, after which Pat continued to write to him in her journal to stay close at heart.
In pursuit of her dreams, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in teaching. During this time, she stayed with a family for whom she provided cleaning services in exchange for room and board—a testament to her tenacity. Years later, she went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and has remained a lifelong fan, enthusiastically supporting the women's basketball team. Pat spent decades teaching English at Washington High School, where her classroom was a place of both learning and laughter. In addition to her numerous Teacher of the year awards, her impact was felt firsthand as years later when out and about, many former students would come up to her and say, "Mrs. Sell, you were my favorite teacher!"
One of Pat’s most endearing qualities was her special way of making everyone feel seen and valued. She took genuine interest in others' lives and remembered the details that mattered to them. Family was the center of her world, beginning with her three beloved daughters: Laurie Hatakeda (Darrin) and their children Kristen (Cole Bales) and Luke; Lynn Fetta and her children with Henry Fetta, Lisa (Casey Bartolucci), Mark, Mallory (John Lytle), and Kalyn (Drew Wilke); and Rebecca Shultz (James) and her sons Neil (Maya), Nick, and Ruben with husband Mark Schraffenberger (deceased 2012). Pat's legacy continues to bloom through her ten great-grandchildren: Erik, Owen, Brooklyn, Bodey, Bea, Belle, Lucy, Harvey, Cillian, and Rowan.
Together, Pat and Bob traveled extensively across the United States and around the world. Yet among Pat’s most treasured moments were the family gatherings at Turkey Run State Park and the joyful chaos of Thanksgiving celebrations. With a zest for life, Pat also loved music and dancing. After teaching English, she found a new path in teaching dance, leading the Bethel Center Line Dancers in their performances at community events. Even in her final years, music remained a daily comfort as she listened to classic crooners with her devoted caregiver Brenda King, whose companionship brought immeasurable happiness.
Pat was the sunflower among flowers, always turning her face toward the Light. She found profound satisfaction in life's simple pleasures and believed that small acts of kindness mattered. This philosophy was anchored in her deep Catholic faith as a devoted parishioner at St. Matthew Cathedral.
Please join us in celebrating Pat's life and legacy at a visitation on Friday, February 20th at Palmer Funeral Home, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Mass will be held at Saint Matthew Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. followed the burial at Southlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to Saint Matthew Cathedral or to a fund honoring the wonderful team of caregivers who have supported Patricia for so many years. For caregiver donations, please send a check to Becky Shultz at 10060 Morgans Trace Dr, Loveland, OH 45140.
02/11/2026 EJS
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