Patricia Louise Schuler-Mahaney, a nurse for Bayfield schools, died on July 24, 2014. She was 61.

She was born to Harry and Margaret Schuler in Camden, N.J. on Dec. 5, 1952. Raised in Pennsauken, N.J., she graduated from Pennsauken High School in June 1970. She received her diploma from Helen Fuld School of Nursing at West Jersey Hospital in May 1973. Patricia completed her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, graduating summa cum laude.

She joined the Indian Health Service in 1979, moving to Shiprock, N.M. She also worked 19 years at San Juan Regional Medical Center. After marrying her husband, Maurice Paul Mahaney on May 16, 1992, she worked at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego until his discharge from the Navy in 1995. Patricia also worked at San Juan Basin Health Department, coordinating children's and travelers' immunizations. She spent the last 11 years as the school nurse at Bayfield's Middle and High Schools. She was an active member of St. Columba Church, serving as a religious education catechist.

An ardent environmentalist, Patty was one of the founding members of the Weminuche Group of the Sierra Club in Durango in 1985. She had a great love for nature. She served in numerous capacities and testified for wilderness and wildlife. Following in her mother's footsteps, Patty also served as a Girl Scout leader and shared her knowledge with many young scouts.

Patty is survived by her husband, Paul, and a daughter, Elizabeth. She is also survived by two brothers, Harry and Michael Schuler, and four sisters, Peggy Schuler (Sister Bernadette), Eileen Kozak, Cecelia Hazel, Teresa DeStefano, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2014 at Hood Mortuary Chapel. A mass was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at St. Columba Catholic Church.

Donations may be made in Patty's name to La Plata County Humane Society at www.lpchumanesociety.org or mail to: 1111 South Camino del Rio, Durango, CO 81303