Obituary: Patricia Frey Kershner, 88, Of Newtown And Ridgefield

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

NEWTOWN, CT — Patricia Frey Kershner, 88, of Newtown, formerly of Ridgefield, died on Tuesday Dec. 26, 2023, at her home after a brief illness.

She was the wife of the late Harold ‘Hal’ Kershner and the late John ‘Buster’ Frey.

Affectionally known as ‘Pat’ and ‘Patsy’, she was born in New Haven on June 22, 1935, a daughter of the late Henry and Margaret (Reynolds) Hughes.

Raised in Greenwich, she attended local schools and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy of Stamford.

A bookkeeper by profession, she also owned and operated Island House, The Irish Shoppe in Ridgefield with her twin sister Peggy.

An area resident for the past fifty-eight years, coming from Greenwich she was active in the Ridgefield Workshop for the Performing Arts – where she met lifelong sister-like friends – and the Ridgefield Homemakers Club.

A recent communicant at St. Rose of Lima in Newtown, Pat was a long-time active member of St. Mary’s of Ridgefield, where she was a member of the prayer group and volunteered on the church fairs. She knitted over 200 prayer shawls, and if she knew the recipient of the shawl would pray for their needs throughout the creation. She was often called upon to offer spiritual support to many young and old who encountered unexpected death. She was fearless in reaching out to those who were struggling. She had a heart of gold and people felt her compassion. Pat provided such wonderful prayers that brought relief and comfort to many.

Proud of her Irish Heritage, Pat maintained connection with her family in Ireland traveling there more than twenty times. Pat loved traditions and spending time with family was paramount.

Pat is survived by a son, John H. Frey of Ridgefield; two daughters, Alicia Frey (Paul) Bernaducci of Franklin Lakes, NJ and Patricia Frey (Steven) Gogliettino of Newtown; two sisters, Margaret (Peggy) Tattar and Ita Hardiman; and five grandchildren who affectionately called her 'Mimi:' Emma and Tyler Daly, and Joan, Bridget and Bennett Gogliettino; and many loving nieces and nephews; five stepchildren, William Kershner, Kathleen (Bruce) Kershner, Robert (Mae) Kershner, James (Ann) Kershner and John Kershner; 17 step-grandchildren, and 5 step great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husbands and parents, Pat was predeceased by a brother Henry Hughes and sister Mary Ann Perna.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Church, Ridgefield celebrated by Monsignor Robert E. Weiss.

Interment will follow at St Mary-Putnam Cemetery, Greenwich.

The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street Ridgefield on Wednesday January 3, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the Warm thy Neighbor Program, Ridgefield Social Services 400 Main St. Ridgefield CT 06877.