Patricia Marie "Patty" Skacel, 87, of Landenberg, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2017 after a long illness.Patty was the first child of the late Thomas and Assunta "Ruth" Tallarico, whose families immigrated to the US from Italy and made their home in Arnold, PA, a small town outside of Pittsburgh. Patty was born on July 19, 1929 and often spoke of her great childhood memories, growing up surrounded by extended family that included grandparents as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She graduated from Arnold High School in 1947, and then went to work for Alcoa Aluminum as a secretary until she married Robert "Bob" K. Skacel, Sr. in 1953.Patty spent most of her adult life as a devoted mother to five daughters and two sons. She liked to sew and would make dresses and other clothing for her children when they were young. As they grew older she became an advocate when they had special needs or interests. In addition, Patty was often like a second mom to her youngest sister Jackie. After her children had grown she ran a home daycare where she cared for several other children, and later volunteered at a pregnancy center, supporting young mothers-to-be in difficult situations.After having grandchildren, Patty took up quilting and made a special and unique quilt for all 18 of them. Her grandchildren have fond memories of special times spent with her including trips, visits, and all of their graduations and special events. They especially remember the Christmas Eve celebrations that she and Bob hosted for their family of 7 children, their spouses, grandchildren, and often other extended relatives. Her children remember the traditional foods that she painstakingly prepared, often starting weeks ahead of time. Grandchildren remember how she made this time special and exciting for them by decorating, making cookies & Christmas stockings, and buying special gifts for each and every one of them.Patty was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Virginia Bickert and Mary Ellen Lucas, and granddaughter Hana Murray.She leaves behind her husband Bob of 63 years who gave her exceptional, loving, and patient care every day during her prolonged illness. Also surviving are 7 children, Sue Gallagher (Glenn) of Wilmington, DE; Becky Umstead (Dan) of Syracuse, NY; Cindy Caldwell (Mac) of Hagerstown, MD; Lisa DePietro (Mike) of Hockessin, DE; Amy Murray (Ken) of Wilmington, DE; Rob Skacel, Jr. (Marita) of Lititz, PA; and Patrick Skacel (Nancy) of Ashburn, VA; 18 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; one sister Jackie Stockfish (Charlie) of Lower Burrell, PA; two brothers P. Thomas (JoAnn) of Perrysburg, OH and Richard (Carol) of Lower Burrell, PA; one Aunt Gloria Francis (Joe) of Columbus, OH; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.Patty will be remembered for her kindness and dedication to family and friends.Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 14th at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE where friends are invited to visitation after 9:30 AM. Entombment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to one of the following charities: Willow Tree Hospice, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 or America Needs Fatima, PO Box 341, Hanover, PA 17331-0341. Condolences may be made by visiting MealeyFuneralHomes.com