MASON CITY — Patricia Lou Waddell, a Mason City native whose life was marked by kindness, family devotion, hard work and a generous spirit, died May 27, 2026, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. She was 85.
Patricia was born February 21, 1941, in Mason City, the daughter of Earl and Mildred Gerard. She graduated from Mason City High School with the class of 1959 and later built a working life that included many years as a receptionist with Equipto Company before retiring from Steiner in 2007.
She married Donald J. Schiff Sr. on October 31, 1959, and the couple was blessed with three children. She later married Richard Waddell on December 28, 1985.
Patricia is remembered as a giving woman who placed others before herself and shared her time, love and steady presence with those around her. Her family was at the center of her life, and she especially treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including games of hide-and-seek in the garden and Christmas Day gatherings.
She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, working in her yard, walking with her dog, Penny, visiting family, traveling to places including Gettysburg and Tennessee, and enjoying Friday night fish fry outings.
Patricia is survived by her children, Donald Schiff Jr. and his wife, Marianne, of Camanche; Tami Morris of Las Vegas; and Desiree Gigear and her husband, David, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kyle Morris, Alex Morris, Matthew Schiff and Sarah Jenny; great-grandchildren Easton Jenny, Emma Jenny, Logan Hinton, Curtis Hinton and Elizabeth Hinton; her sister, Vicky Elwood; nephews; a sister-in-law; extended family; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents; and her brother, Ronald Gerard.
A visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2026, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street NE in Mason City. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at the chapel. Patricia will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels, Crematory, & Cemetery is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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