White River Junction, VT- With peaceful hearts, the family of Patricia Louise Sheldon announces her passing on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, after a long, well-fought battle against lung cancer. She never stopped fighting. When she received the cancer diagnosis, it was stage 4 lung cancer that had spread throughout her body, including her brain. The prognosis wasn't good and the timeline they estimated was short. But Mom had other plans: she called the cancer a monster and she was putting it back in its cage. Given an estimated six months to live, Mom put that monster in the cage for 2.5 years! Throughout her cancer treatment she walked 3 miles daily and every Wednesday hiked with the Granite Grannies. She climbed the mountains all around her. She was truly amazing!

Patricia was born on April 5, 1951, in Paterson, New Jersey, and grew up in Pompton Lakes. She was the cherished middle sibling of three children born to Mary Louise (Dooley) and Walter Coss. She is predeceased by her parents and her older brother Walter "Wally" Coss. She is survived by her younger brother, John Coss, his wife Barbara, and their daughter Annabel.

Patty made many lifelong friends and kept those friends close to her heart even when the physical distance was large. Her heart was open and generous, and she found joy in the simple act of making others feel seen and appreciated.

Patty was a mom, grandmother (Mimi to her grandkids), a sister, and very good friend to many.  She cherished her friendships with her college friends, The Elegants, her hiking group, The Granite Grannies, and her lifelong friends, Sarah, Dot, Claire, and many others. Patty had a big heart and loved freely, expecting nothing in return. She was an introvert and needed her alone time to recharge but she could talk to anyone! She always made sure to tell someone she liked their style, tattoos, smile, haircut, she saw the good in many.

Mom's greatest joy came from her family, especially her daughters Mattie and Kristin, and her grandchildren, Emma and Dylan Fauci, and Kasey Pontecorvo. They knew Mimi was always ready to swim in the pool, play games, and she loved just hanging out with them. She always had ice cream in the freezer for them and chips in the bread drawer. When mom would watch the grandchildren, they were in charge, and she was along for the ride. They brought great joy to her life. We will miss our mom and are incredibly thankful for her love, trust in us, and support. We know she loved us fiercely and her love is forever.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Alex Fuld, Katherine Rose, APRN, Dr. Greg Russo, Dr. Amelia Cullinan, and the entire care team at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for their exceptional care, respect, and unwavering support. We appreciate the remarkable care all the nurses and medical assistants provided, respecting her wishes with grace and support every step of the way. Truly, thank you.

A celebration of Patricia's life will be held in the spring of 2026, during her favorite season, to honor the remarkable woman she was and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com