It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Patricia Ann Poinsatte, who left us on May 18, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born on January 9, 1943, in Decatur, Indiana, to Charles and Elizabeth (Young) Cook. Pat (Patsy to some) spent her life dedicated to her family and friends, as well as making a difference in the lives of children in her role as a beloved Catholic school teacher, retiring in 2002 from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

She fondly told stories that made us all laugh about her first job as a telephone switchboard operator before earning a teaching degree from St. Francis University in Fort Wayne, where she met Steve and her world was forever changed.

On July 17, 1965, Pat married Stephen T. Poinsatte, the great love of her life. She was completely devoted to Steve and her children through faith life and sharing sacraments, politics, lake life, kids' activities, volunteering, 30 years in the car business, moves, as well as retirement and uncertainty. She loved so beautifully and unconditionally. Family was always her number one priority and biggest joy. She was an extremely faith-filled woman whose contagious smile warmed the hearts of everyone she met. She was generous to a fault and had an enormously compassionate heart. She was an amazingly supportive mother. She emulated the love of Christ for others and was an inspiration to all.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband all over the world, including several cruises and many visits to Germany, Rome, and Switzerland. Early in her married life, she enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and bowling, but longer-lasting was bridge with dear friends. She dabbled with all types of arts and crafts, including painting and pottery. She was famous for her sweet tooth and often asked as she sat down for dinner, “What’s for dessert?”.

Although she struggled in body with many afflictions, including MS (diagnosed in 1974) and Alzheimer’s (in 2019), she bravely fought these battles and others, never once complaining. She faced every challenge with a positive attitude and determination to move forward. She was lighthearted, selfless, and humble—a true servant to God and others.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Julie (Rick) Nill, and son, Phillip (Michelle) Poinsatte, along with her cherished grandchildren Alex (Ariana), Ricky, Ashley, Gianna, Isabelle, Sam, Lauren, and Eleanor, and great-grandchildren Saoirse and Cillian. She is also survived by her sisters, Judy Baker, Carol Wisley, and Maggie Surgener, and her brother, Greg Cook. She deeply touched the lives of everyone who knew her with her kindness, passion for education, and warm spirit. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Steve; her parents, Chuck and Betty; her daughter, Jeanette Miller; and her brother, Charlie.

We invite friends and family to join us as we celebrate Pat’s life, remembering the joy and love she brought into our lives. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26th from 2–6 p.m., with a rosary at 1:30 p.m., at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN. A Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN, on Wednesday, May 27th at 10 a.m., with visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider honoring Pat’s legacy by making a donation to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School at https://seasfw.org/school, Cancer Services of Northeast IN at https://cancer-services.org/ or the National MS Society at https://www.nationalmssociety.org.

Rest in peace, Mom. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.