Help Write a Happier Ending

WRITE A HAPPIER ENDING

This story began 42 years ago when Patrick Connell & Mish (Michele) met at Dominican High School and became Sweethearts. They married a few short years later; Patrick was 21, and Mish just 18, vowing always to honor and love one another. Patrick promised he would always take care of her, a big promise for someone so young. Never did he realize how difficult life could make that promise.

Patrick began to experience severe, chronic and debilitating pain two years ago. These pains led to years of testing, surgical procedures, and hospitalizations when the pain became unbearable. With no cures or long-term pain relief in sight, he tried to forge ahead with life and work, as hospital debt continued to mount up.

The Covid-19 Pandemic also hit two years ago. As things began to unravel, the hospitality industry where Patrick focused his career was hit hard, and Patrick found himself out of work. But, he continued to press on, finding various jobs within the industry to keep his income coming in and fulfill the promise he made to his bride.

On December 24th, 2021, Legacies Ltd. closed its doors for the last time, as the storefront they leased was sold, leaving Mish without her income.

It was also this week that Patrick contracted Covid-19. By January 2nd, he was in the hospital with Pneumonia. Patrick spent 17 days in ICU and Covid Isolation, without Mish allowed by his side. By January 16th, he required more serious intervention; Patrick was placed on a ventilator.

On Monday, January 24, 2022, Patrick passed away.

I’ve asked Mish in times of trouble, what keeps you going? She replied, “Patrick and I know, that whatever comes along, we always have each other.”

While their life had gone through so many ups and downs, Patrick worked so hard to keep that promise he made 38 years ago. Patrick always wore a smile, a kind, sweet, gentle man whose love for Mish and family had driven him onward, when the pain would have stopped others.

Patrick’s career was focused in Culinary Arts, working in the restaurant industry since he was 15. For many years, Patrick and Mish owned the iconic Silver Spring House Restaurant in Glendale, WI. But, one of Patrick’s joys & devotions has been coaching for various organizations. It is their giving spirit and love for kids that had motivated so many of their choices. With Patrick’s love of sports, he coached his own kids sporting teams and coached for The Boys and Girls Club of America at their Milwaukee location. Over the years, he has coached for Homestead & Dominican High Schools, Cardinal Strich University, Maple Dale Elementary School, and others. Most recently, Patrick has been Head Coach for both the Girls and Boys Varsity Soccer Teams for Martin Luther High School, which he has held since 2019.

Meanwhile, besides being a busy mom, Mish worked as Manager at Legacies, Ltd., an Estate Sale company with a Consignment Store in Fox Point, Wisconsin. At the same time, Patrick had been involved with the Bartolotta Restaurant Group.

Patrick & Mish loved children and had begun their family with their first child Sarah. Their second daughter Emily was born just a few years later, creating a loving family of 4.

As their daughters grew, Patrick & Mish wanted to share their family's love and blessings with other children. So with that in mind, they welcomed as foster children two sweet boys; then proudly, on June 15th, 2006, Patrick and Mish became the adoptive parents of Keenan and his younger brother Charlie. And so the family became six.

Two years later, the family welcomed little 6-month-old Grace as a Connell, and now they were a family of seven. Patrick & Mish met, with unwavering love, all the challenges that come with a blended & multi-racial family.

Mish is the most stoic, outwardly calm, and loving person you would ever have the pleasure to meet. She never complains, never brings up her troubles or worries, never asks for help. But, not only devastated by losing her partner, her best friend, her love; she’s burdened with insurmountable debt from these life changing turn of events, with three children still of school age. Now, for the first time, she’s facing these burdens & the care for her family… ALONE

We can’t change what has happened, but, together we can help this story have a happier ending.

No matter the amount, any donation will make a difference to help cover medical costs and will be greatly appreciated.

Join us in letting Mish know; SHE IS NOT ALONE.