Patricia S. Chellew
December 16, 1947 - April 9, 2022
Patricia S. Chellew, affectionately known as “Pat,” age 74, of Middletown, DE and formerly of New Castle, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 9, 2022.
Born in Greenville, ME on December 16, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Chester A. Potman and Emma J. (Harris) Swartz. After graduating from North Penn High School, Pat attended Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. After teaching for many years, she continued at Wilmington College, where she earned her master’s degree in education. Pat made her career as an elementary school teacher with the Colonial School District. She taught for 28 years and spent the majority of her career mostly as a 5th grade teacher at Colwyck Elementary School.
She took pleasure in arts and crafts, interior design, decorating, painting and antiquing with friends. Pat enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending time at her beach house in Bethany. She loved nothing more than family gatherings and celebrations. Dinners at the dining room table with her family surrounded by her was something she looked forward to. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, especially the “grands.”
Pat was well known for her commitment to her community, especially in Penn Acres. She loved having the neighbor kids over and was often called “Mama Chellew” by many. She took great pride in her family. You could always count on her support from the stands or sidelines, whether it be at the kids’ sports and activities or her husband’s girl’s basketball games.
She was mighty and strong. She gave so much, to so many. She left an impact on all who knew her. She cared deeply for her family and close friends. In the end, she had a plan and she did it her way!
In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her stepfather, Carl Swartz and sister, Judith. She is survived by her husband, George E. Chellew; children, Thomas G. Chellew (Jennifer), Danielle C. Arabis (Christopher) and R. Brent Chellew (Shannon Harris); and grandchildren, Christopher, Brendan, Jonathan, Lauren and Jackson.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Pat’s name to Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd Floor, Polly Drummond Shopping Center, Newark, DE 19711.
Renee
Thinking of all of you. Remembering so many moments of advice and encouragement with Mama Chellew both on and off the field hockey field.
Geri & Ken Schilling
Our heartfelt condolences to you during this time of sorrow.
The loss of someone dear to us is never easy. We hope all the cherished memories that you have of your mom brings you some light during this dark time. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy Foster
What a wonderfully written obituary. It really captures Pat and her love of her family. I am so sorry for this news and my prayers are with your family!
Amy & Eric Shenyo
Danielle and family, we are so very sorry for the loss of your mother. May those memories from all those family gatherings bring you comfort. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Gwen Clayton
Danielle, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family ❣️
Patrick OConnor
Beloved Chellew family, the O’Connors share and mourn this enormous loss.
❤️
Syd and Joyce Goldberg
Dear George, Tommy, Danielle, and Brent,
We were saddened to learn about Pat. We shared many good times together skiing. We will always remember your family sharing your place at the beach for Michele’s and Drew’s wedding. We are thinking of you.
Love, Syd and Joyce
Keith Chin
Tom & family:
Very sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories you all share during this difficult time.
Angie Raimondo
Mrs. Chellew was such a kindhearted and loving person. She was my 5th grade teacher and helped me alot. I was lucky to reconnect with her on Facebook. It’s hard to hear she is gone, will always keep her close to my heart. I have the family in my prayers and send my love to all.
Maureen Murphy
So honored to have been a colleague of Pat’s. She was a wonderful teacher who always went above and beyond for her students. The tribute is beautiful as is her picture. Love, prayers, and hugs to all of her family and friends. She will be dearly missed.
Pam Knerr Linderman
Sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. She was a high school classmate and I remember her fondly. My condolences are with you.
Christine Sandstrom Purzycki
I’m so very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I have such fond memories of teaching with her at Colwyck Elementary school. She will be greatly missed.
Jean Kissane
George, please accept my sympathy. I have not seen you and Pat for sometime. I do remember with fondness our early years as teachers. Fondly, Jean
Dan Fromal
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Chellew and the family. I will always remember how kind she was. RIP Mrs. Chellew.
Kerry a grubb
Chellew family, my deepest condolences. When they talk about the bestest teacher award. Her smile comes to my mind. She was so special to me. I couldn’t read till 4th grade because I excelled in math. Back then they just kept moving you forward. I remember always having trouble and she gave me such confidence and encouraging to keep finding books that I loved.
Marcia Howe
I just saw this on FB and I am in shock. Pat was taken way too soon!
I am sending my deepest condolences to all of Pat’s family. I am so very sorry. She will be missed!💔
Aileene M. Sydow
Dear Chellew family,
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. We so appreciated your mom’s friendliness and kindness inviting us over for special events when we were home next door in the Salt Pond. My husband, Dave, and I enjoyed hearing all about your family and also admiring your mom’s beautiful art work in your beach house. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time. Fondly, Aileene M. Sydow
Tom Stiles
So sorry. Kay and I always enjoyed playing bridge with Pat and George. We had many good laughs together.
Debbie Pfotzer
Condolences to the entire Chellew family during this difficult time!
Howard Jones and Family
We were so sorry and surprised to hear of Pat Chellew’s passing. She was so energetic that you just expected her to be around for many more years. She was the first person to welcome us into the neighborhood many years ago, offering to help any kids with their schoolwork. Our condolences go out to George, Brent, Danielle, Tommy and their families.
Magnus Gustafsson
Dear Chellew family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss, I got the privilige to live with the Chellew family for a year in the mid 90;s and the whole family had great impact on who I am today. Patricia (Pat, to me) was a real rolemodel that thought me great values of life. Even with great distance and time, we always kept in touch. My kids have a relationship with my American Family, that is just how the Chellew family is.. Pat had a large role in bringing us all together. The world need more Pat’s. It breakes my heart that I did not get to see Pat before her passing. Dear Pat, thank you for making me a better person, thank you for all the advice, even at rough times you never hesitated!
Love
Magnus
Bill Kempista
So sorry for your loss to the Chellew Family.RIP Pat longtime neighbor and friend.
Bob Fischer
Dear George and Family,
I was very sorry to learn about the passing of Patricia. Please accept our most sincere condolences and prayers at this difficult time. In sympathy and frienship, Bob and Maryann Fischer
Gloria Templin
Chellew Family,
So sorry for your loss. We have fond memories of the July 4th parties at the beach. Pat made sure Kevin James had a great seat at the neighbor’s house for the fireworks. I know Carole will miss her friendship. Apologies for missing the services this week. I am recovering from COVID this week. Our prayers are with all of you.
Carol Zukowski
I am so sorry to hear about Pat. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Joan Flanagan
My prayers are with you and your family George during this difficult time. May Pat rest in peace and be remembered with love especially by her family.
Mark, Katie, Alex and Brady
Pat was a hoot to be around. We all loved her and thought the world of her. She was not only great with your kids but when we visited she was great with Alex and Brady. She always made us feel warm and invited. We are very sorry for your loss.
We love you all and will keep in our thoughts and prayers.
Srs. Sandy Grieco & Sr. Redempta Sweeney, IHM
Dear George and Family,
We want you to know that we are praying for you George and your family.
Please know we will have a Mass said for Pat, you and your family.
We had many a laugh at St. Mark’s High School.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all,
Sr. Sandy & Sr. Redempta
Eleanor K Wilson
Dear George and Family. So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I have fond memories of when we got together at the beach. Please know that I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Eleanor Wilson
Cheri Ziegler Skelding
I’m so sorry for your loss . The photos were a wonderful tribute to “Patsy” as she was known by me . We were best friend’s from 5 yrs old til high school and I have and will always cherish her friendship. Keep your memories of her close in your heart . 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sage Patel
Danielle and family, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this time. Your in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
Bernice (Wesley) Benjamin
Dear Mr. Chellew, Tommy, Danielle, and Brent,
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Chellew passing. She was such a sweet and caring person. My heart and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Bernice (Wesley) Benjamin
Kelly Wickes
Mr. Chellew,
My condolences to you and the family in your time of loss. Mrs. Chellew was like a mother away from home during the basketball season at William Penn. She always made the team feel at home during gatherings at you house. I’ll keep you and the family in prayer. I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences from Stephen, Darren, Robin, Brenda, and Kelly Wickes.
Betty Kardos Volzone
She was one awesome person! 2 of my 5 children had the opportunity to be one of her students !
She was an awesome teacher who cared deeply for her students!
I will be forever grateful for her love of students!