Patricia Ann "Patti" Schindler

Patricia Ann Schindler (DiBuduo)
September 22, 1946 - May 16, 2023

Patricia Ann Schindler (DiBuduo) was born on September 22, 1946, in Fresno, CA and passed away while sleeping next to the love of her life on May 16, 2023 due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease.
Patricia, or Patti as she was lovingly called by family and friends, was the second of five children born to Nat and Flora DiBuduo in Fresno, CA. Patti graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1964. Thanks to the persistent encouragement of her uncle, Dominic Papagni, Patti’s parents agreed to allow her to attend the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, California where she studied to become a teacher. She graduated in 1968 with a lifetime teaching credential.

Thanks to a wrong number while in college, she went on a blind date and met Tom Schindler who would continue to sweep her off her feet for 53 years. Patti lovingly waited for 2 years while Tom served his country in Vietnam. Upon his return in July, the young couple was married on August 16, 1969, in Fresno, Ca. After a beautiful wedding, Tom and Patti built a life in Redwood City. God would soon bless them with their firstborn child, Thomas Michael Schindler, Jr. After 3.5 years, Patti, Tom, and Tommy moved to Fresno to be closer to her family. Their daughter, Kristen Ann, was then born and the family of four was complete.

When they moved to Fresno, Patti was hired to teach 1st grade in Fresno Unified and never looked back. She was highly regarded by her peers and served as a mentor teacher to help train new educators throughout her career. McCardle Elementary school became Patti’s home for nearly four decades. Even after retirement, she continued to serve as a reading intervention teacher. She was passionate about inspiring the next generation in their love of learning.

Throughout the ups and downs of Patti’s life, her unwavering faith in Christ is what kept her grounded. Her optimistic attitude toward life and other people was bolstered by her faith. She was dedicated to attending bible study fellowship and being as active as possible serving others in her church.

Patti is survived by her loving husband, Tom, her son Tom Schindler Jr., her daughter and son-in-law Kristen and Aaron Klein, and her grandchildren Allison Schindler, Bradyn Klein, and Brooklyn Klein. She is also survived by her siblings Laverne and Don Dauer, Nat and Marilyn DiBuduo, Jerry and Carol DiBuduo, Michelle DiBuduo, Jane Schindler, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 10:00am at Northpointe Church located at 4625 W. Palo Alto Ave. Fresno, Ca 93722. Interment at Saint Peter’s, 264 N. Blythe Ave. Fresno, will directly follow the church service.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the incredible staff at Sunrise Assisted Living and Hinds Hospice for their loving, compassionate care during a very difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Valley Caregivers Resource Center (5363 N. Fresno Street; Fresno, CA 93710 or https://valleycrc.org/donate/) or Saint Jude Children’s hospital (https://tinyurl.com/2re8zsxd)