On a beautiful spring afternoon, Patricia Phyllis Gumz (nee Tenuta) passed away peacefully and on her own terms in her home on April 28th, 2023. She was 87 years old. She had been in the superb care of Heartland Hospice as well as the tender and steadfast devotion of her daughters, Kimberly Gohr and Jill Shaw.

“Pat” was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William H. Gumz who passed in 1989. She was the tireless, generous mother to Laurel R. Swencki (David), Julie Graziano (Craig Schepp), John Gumz (Catherine), Jill Shaw (Claude) and Kimberly Gohr (Gordon). She relished her role as Gramma Patty, affectionately known as “GP”, to her grandchildren; Lisa Zajac, Sharon Swencki, Jacob Schepp, Sydney Gumz, Jonathan Gumz, Emily Gumz, Jackson Gumz, Joshua Gohr (Marisela), Andrea Gohr Abbott (Walter), Lindsey Gohr Folta (Brian). Pat was also big sister to Barbara Clausi (Anthony) and Jacqueline Malone (Dennis). She is survived and loved by great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Pat was born on a national holiday on the 4th of July 1935 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She was more than a standard issue firecracker. She was a force of nature. An enigma wrapped up in a riddle. She was so proud of her Italian heritage and was a faithful servant to her Catholicism. She was especially close to her late father, Joachim Tenuta, who instilled in her a great love of animals. From her collie Star to her sweet Persians, she spoiled many pets throughout her life. Likewise, she shared a deep connection to her late mother, Julia Graziano Tenuta, who was a tough act to follow; Julia was an incredible cook, a gifted seamstress, often funny and always kind.

Pat went to college a bit later in life at the urging of her mentor. Tenacious in her studies while caring for a household of school age kids, she received her degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She went on to have a 35-year career with the Milwaukee Public Schools where she held numerous jobs in special education, was recognized for her many unique contributions and was part of a special sisterhood of teacher chums that she dearly cherished. During her tenure with MPS, she became a passionate champion of quality education and a warrior for her students. She regarded education as a means to freedom and a better way of life, regularly stressing its importance to her children.

Pat was, indeed, a mother like no other. She was not one to suffer foolishness gladly. She dressed with Talbot’s class and was full of sass. Being in her orbit was often a wild ride, yet it was she who was our center of gravity. The loss of her mighty presence will be dearly missed. Until we meet again, Mom.

“Life is eternal and love is immortal and death is only a horizon and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” -Rossiter W. Raymond

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25th, 2023, from 4:00 PM – 6:45 PM at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. Vigil services at 7:00 PM. Additional visitation will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church, 1755 North Calhoun Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Private interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to:

Elmbrook Humane Society or Milwaukee Center for Independence-LIFE SERVICES