Patricia "Pat" Skornik Richardson's Obituary
Patricia “Pat” Skornik Richardson, a beloved mother, teacher, and mentor to so many, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025. Pat was born on February 1, 1950 in Queens, New York to the late Thaddeus F. Skornik and the late Mary Hodnett Skornik.
She is preceded in death by her soul mate of 48 years, William “Read” Richardson, her grandchildren Matthew and Chase Cooper, her brother Robert F. Skornik, and her son-in-law David Sweitzer. She is survived by her three girls Lindsay Sweitzer, Christine Richardson (Chris Gainey), and Megan Richardson Menge (Chris Menge), as well as her three grandchildren, Grady and Lila Cooper and Jackson Sweitzer. She is also survived by her 2 siblings, Diane “Terry” Skornik and William “Billy” Skornik.
Pat spent the early years of her life in Long Island, New York, before moving to New Orleans, Louisiana during high school. She went on to attend the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, where she met the love of her life, Read. After graduating, Pat returned to New Orleans where she began her lifelong passion of teaching. Her dedication to her students was unparalleled; she brought warmth, creativity, and care to every classroom she entered. One of her most cherished memories was the opportunity to teach her youngest daughter, Megan, in both pre-k and 1st grade at Ursuline Academy in New Orleans. Eventually, the family moved to Covington, where Pat continued her love for teaching at Our Lady of the Lake and later to Woodlake Elementary. Her impact on generations of students will forever be a true testament to her heart for teaching and her unwavering commitment to nurturing others.
Pat had a lifelong passion for art. In her early years, she enjoyed working with watercolor and pen and ink, often creating beautifully detailed invitations for cherished New Orleans events like the Sugarplum ball and Celebration in the Oaks. It was after retirement, however, that she found her real passion and love for oil painting, with a particular love for plein air painting. Through her painting and participation in art shows, she found not only creative fulfillment but also lasting friendships and countless memorable adventures.
Pat was always ready for the next celebration. She cherished Wine Wednesdays on her porch with her daughters, attending Sunday mass at St. Paul’s with her grandson/godson Jackson, followed by brunch with family, and sharing laughter and stories with her dear friends in their monthly book club. Before Read’s passing, one of her greatest joys was their annual staycation in New Orleans, where they would revisit favorite spots from her early years living in the French Quarter. They also loved hosting dinner parties, welcoming loved ones to their home, creating unforgettable evenings filled with laughter, love and beautifully prepared meals.
To her daughters, Pat was a loving, devoted mother, always offering unconditional love and support. She empowered them to pursue their dreams, always ready with her gentle wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. To her grandchildren she was their “Lolli”, a guiding light, a warm embrace, and the heart of their world. Her love for her family knew no bounds, and her presence will forever echo in their lives.
All who were blessed to have met Pat know that she always showed everyone pure love and kindness. Her smile could light up any room, and you always left her presence feeling better than before you saw her. She was the embodiment of honesty, patience, and grace. Wherever we go you can be sure, in spirit we shall never be alone, because to us she will always be home.
May her legacy live on through her beautiful art, her treasured recipes and the many stories she leaves behind. Let us all strive to carry forward the sunshine she brought into our lives. May we remember her not as gone, but as living on in her hearts of everyone she touched, for nothing loved is ever truly lost. And Pat was deeply, deeply loved. May we find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her one true love, watching over us all; hand in hand, from above.
Donations can be made to the New Orleans Art Academy https://www.noafa.org/giving
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a visitation at St. Peter’s Church, 125 E. 19th Avenue, Covington, Louisiana on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with Mass following at 11:00 a.m. An interment will follow in St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Her daughters ask that you come dressed in your favorite bright colors to celebrate their mom’s bright personality. The Richardson family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online via the E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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