Patricia Louise Semrad, age 66, resident of 21592 Sherred Hill Road, Venango, PA, passed away Friday, January 9, 2009 at Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA after an extended illness. She had lived in the Venango and Edinboro areas most of her life. Born on October 12, 1942 in Erie, PA, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Rock and Elsie Chiffon Rock. On October 19, 1963 she married Emil M. Semrad, he survives. She was a 1960 graduate of Cambridge Springs High School.
Semrad, Patricia LouiseA homemaker, Patricia operated a ceramic shop from her home from the mid 70’s until the late 80’s. In this business she not only sold ceramics, but also was a ceramic teacher. Other activities included sewing, and specialized cake decorating of wedding and other special occasion cakes. Patricia was a very active member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Cambridge Springs. She belonged to the Ladies Aid Society and had served as past president. She was especially involved in the social activities of the Church as chairperson of the catering committee. Her supervision in the preparation and catering of meals for funeral dinners, wedding receptions, weekly bingo games, and other special events was truly impressive and gained her quite a reputation over the 20 years and more she served in this capacity. Patricia also was a member of the National Arbor Day Society.
In addition to her husband of 45 years, family members surviving Patricia include a daughter – Andrea Bain and her husband, David of Middletown, MD and their sons – Derek and Adam; a son – Joe Semrad and his wife, Denise of Conneaut Lake; two sisters – Betty Andrako of Gibsonia, PA and Ann Marie Mihoci and her husband, Don of Jefferson, OH; a brother – David Rock and his wife, Annette of Savannah, GA. Several nieces and nephews also survive including a special niece – Tina Tomczak and her husband, Mark and family; and several cousins including special cousins – Norma and Bob Adams; and Peggy and Bobby Adams and family.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00. Prayer vigil services will be held Sunday evening at 8:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Cambridge Springs. Monsignor Lawrence Speice, pastor of the Church will be celebrant. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Ladies Aid Society of St. Anthony Church, 165 South Main Street, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403.