Patricia Ann Mitola passed away in West Warwick, Rhode Island on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. Her birth name was Patricia Ann Moushon, the daughter of Evelyn and Milton Moushon. She grew up and lived in East Peoria, Illinois until she went to college at Illinois State University where she received her B.S degree. Later she received her M.S. degree from the University of Minnesota-Mankato. After receiving her degree, Patricia taught a variety of regular to special needs students, demonstrating skill and an amazing degree of compassion for her students. As she relates stories in her book, The Other Side of the Desk, she credits God with giving her ability and love for all her students. In that book, Patricia states teaching is a career of a lifetime and it was for her. Patricia authored three “how to” books for teachers published in 1968, 1970, and 1972.
Patricia trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in the summer of 1955. In 1956 she married and became Patricia Davis. Over the next many years, they raised three much loved children–Tamera, Mark, and Kim. In the late 1970’s, Patricia moved to Rhode Island and continued her teaching career there. In December of 1980, she married Pat Mitola and immediately “adopted” his three adult children–Ruth, Barbara, and John–and their spouses and families. Patricia and Pat made many trips to California in the winter to enjoy the sunshine and especially to enjoy special times with family there.
After Pat passed away in 1995, she moved to Pennsylvania where she subsequently met and later married Ken Rowe. They enjoyed many years of music together and church ministry. After he passed away, she moved back to Rhode Island to be near family. From involvement in marching band in high school to playing piano, Patricia enjoyed her music. At home, at church, at her senior retirement center; she would worship God with her alto voice while accompanying herself on the piano.
Patricia’s faith in Christ deepened over the years leading her to teach ladies and girls Bible groups, meetings, and Sunday School. Her concern for Christians to understand the differences between just being religious and having a true relationship with Jesus Christ led her to write her last book in 2017–Religion or Relationship, Living with the Holy Spirit. Whether you were family, friend, acquaintance, hospital room mate; she talked with you about Jesus.
Her life verse was Matthew 6:33–”But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”
Patricia is survived by her three children–Mark (Charlotte) Davis, Tamera (Tim) Danforth, Kimberly Davis, and their beloved families; also her three step-children–Ruth (Dan) Knowlton, Barbara (Lee) Jacobs, and John (Carol) Mitola and their beloved families. Besides her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She was always asking about family, praying for them and wanting to make sure they were all saved and seeking God’s will! She will be so greatly missed! For full guest book and condolences, please visit averystortifuneralhome.com.
