Patricia Arlene Fitchena

March 31, 1944 – August 14, 2026

Patricia Arlene Fitchena, 82, of Port Richey, Florida, passed away on August 14, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply, a lifetime of wonderful memories, and more than a few stories that will continue to be told for generations.

Patricia was born on March 31, 1944, in Milledgeville, Georgia, to Francis and Emma Shaw. She spent much of her life in Michigan before eventually making Florida her home in 2011. To those who knew her, Pat was impossible to forget. She was beautiful, spunky, outgoing, and full of life. She genuinely loved people, and throughout her life, that love showed not only in the way she cared for her family and friends, but also through her many years of service to her community. She also had a special place in her heart for seniors, devoting much of her time to providing care, support, and companionship to those who needed it most.

While living in Oxford, Michigan, Pat served as Executive Director of the North Oakland Transportation Authority for over 8 years, an Oxford Township Trustee for 20 years, and Manager of Mickey Lolich's Donut Shop. Her commitment to public service was an important part of her life, earning the respect and admiration of so many who knew and worked alongside her.

After moving to Florida in 2011, Pat didn’t exactly take up a quiet retirement. True to form, she became President of her condominium association, continuing to stay involved, lead, and make her voice heard.

Pat was also a wonderful cook and owned Pat’s Place, a restaurant in Oxford known for its specialty omelets. Food was one of the many ways she brought people together, and nowhere was that more evident than at Christmas. Pat was a wonderful hostess, and the holidays at Grandma’s were something special—the kind of memories her family will carry with them forever.

She loved camping, spending time with the people she loved, and finding reasons to bring everyone together. Although Pat accomplished many things throughout her life, her family can also confirm there was at least one calling that may not have been meant for her: driving a bus. The infamous encounter between Pat’s bus and a tree became one of those family stories that was simply too good not to live on.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Nicholas Fitchena; her sister, Elizabeth Shaw; and her brother, James Shaw Sr.

She is survived by her children, Michele Dunn, Scott Marginet (Deanna), and Nicole Fitchena (Deniese); her sister, Sharon Muradian; her brother, Francis Shaw; and her sister-in-law, Julia Shaw and Pat Shaw.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Amber Kennard (Chris), Megan Johnson (Colin), and Jacob Marginet, and an adored great-grandmother, affectionately known as Gi-Gi, to four beautiful great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Kennedy, Luca, and Stella.

Of all the titles Pat held throughout her life, none were more important than those she held within her family. She was Mom. Grandma. Great-Grandma. Sister. Wife. Friend.

Pat lived a full life. She served her communities, cared for seniors, fed countless people, hosted unforgettable Christmas gatherings, went camping, made people laugh, loved deeply, spoke her mind, and left an impression wherever she went.

She was loved by many, respected by those who knew her, and will be deeply missed.

We have to believe that in Heaven Pat is already making herself known, organizing something, cooking for everyone, and—hopefully—letting someone else drive the bus.

Her family will carry her love, her stories, her traditions, and her unmistakable charm with them always.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Grove Room at Legacy 925 in Oxford, Michigan, on October 10, 2026, from 12:30–3:30 p.m. This will be an informal gathering where guests can share stories, laughter, memories and celebrate Pat the way she would want to be remembered. There will be a celebration of life for her FL based loved ones to be scheduled in late November, details to follow.

A special note from Pat she wanted to share:

Don't waste this opportunity

This life you're living is a wildly precious gift, don't take it for granted.

Live into every inch of it.

Live it boldly and with courage.

Live it hopefully and with kindness.

Live it as yourself.

Live it for those that can't.

Live it for those who walk beside you.

Live it for those who came before, those who have passed on, and those who will carry your legacy forward long after you're gone.

Please, live this beautiful, hard, wonderful life - and since you will live it as you were always meant to do, resolve to live it well.

God has blessed me with great children and wonderful friends.

Someday I will see you all again on the other side...

But don't hurry!

Love you mom and friend

Pat Fitchena