Patricia (Pat) Martha Lugo (Sharkey) passed peacefully on December 9, 2015 at her home north of Milaca, Minn., at the age of 73, following a lengthy, sustained battle with numerous illnesses. She was one of the most resilient women who ever lived. She beat the odds to survive lung cancer after eight years, diabetes for nearly 50 years, a car accident three years ago, and a fire in February that claimed the home she shared with her husband of 55 years, Bob Lugo. They just moved into their new home in July, where Bob lovingly cared for her until her passing.

She was first and foremost a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and also built a successful business making gear for sled dogs. She shared her love of writing, music, playing the accordion by ear, and singing. She loved her family more than anything and had strong opinions about anything she thought affected her family. She enjoyed nature, in particular summer butterflies and daisies and spring lilacs and pussy willows. Meals weren't complete without cheesecake, and she looked forward to short trips to the casino to play the slot machines.

Besides her husband, she is survived and loved by four children, Lisa (Steve Paxton), Brainerd, Minn., Kurt (Jennifer), Germany, John (Jeanne Chaclas), Spencer, Mass., and Matthew (Denise), Baxter, Minn.; grandchildren, Melissa, Tory, Zack (Katie Shanley), Mitch, Alexis, Sophia, and Madilyn; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Cameron, and Brady.

She and Bob are originally from Erie, Pa., and lived in Minnesota since 1972. Pat was born to Michael and Martha Sharkey on August 2, 1942, and is survived by siblings, Carol Bongiovi, N.J., Beverly Ondreako, and Michael Sharkey, both of Erie. She had a special place in her heart for her Brandt nieces.

Her generosity continued after her death, as she bequeathed her body to the Mayo Clinic to further medical education and research.

Published in the Erie Times-News on Dec. 13, 2015