Patricia "Pat" Ann Mato, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of December 23, 2025, in the assisted living facility at Oak Park Place, Madison. Pat is survived by her daughter Kristin, son-in-law Andy, granddaughter Sadie, and grandson Mason. Pat is preceded in death by her parents Ivan Lauscher and Florence Lauscher (Glass), as well as her husband Mark Mato.

Anyone who knew Pat knew that she was a fighter. Like all of those of Pat’s generation, she was born in the midst of the Great Depression. The Depression shaped Pat’s life experiences at a young age, as she knew about going without from early on and therefore, she never took anything for granted and appreciated everything that much more.

When Pat was 5, her parents divorced at a time when divorce was a rarity. Pat and her mother Florence got through this, as well as Pat’s early years, together. As Pat grew older she began a career as an administrative assistant working at various businesses throughout the Milwaukee area. While working at Briggs she met Mark; Pat and Mark soon were married (and remained married for over 50 years), and a few years later they were blessed with their one and only child, Kristin.

Pat was a professional woman, who juggled taking care of her child, husband and house, and did so lovingly and often times with a hearty laugh. Pat enjoyed playing games with friends, bowling in a league with Mark, as well as traveling across the U.S. with him, with Alaska and Hawaii being some of the favorite destinations. She was also known to be an avid sports fan who followed her beloved Packers, Badgers and Bucks.

After Mark’s passing in late 2015, Pat moved from Milwaukee to Madison to be closer to her family. She joined Kristin, Andy, Sadie and Mason for numerous dinners, Christmas’s, and trips to Door County.

In late 2024 Pat began slowing down and family were concerned she would not make it through Christmas of that year. In true Pat fashion, she battled, because that is what she did best, and she stayed in her assisted living facility right up until the end on December 23, 2025.

Pat will be remembered as resilient and always in the mood for a visit with her daughter and grandkids, and possibly even enjoying “the beer” with her son-in-law. She lived 91 good years on this Earth, and she leaves behind a family who loved, and loves, her so.

Her family will host a celebration of life for Pat later in the spring.