Patricia A. Lachmund

Patricia Anne (Holmes) Lachmund of Southington, CT began her eternal journey on December 29th, 2023.  Pat was born in Meriden, CT, the middle child of Harold and Katheryn Holmes.  She attended Meriden schools, graduating from Meriden High School.  Pat held many jobs throughout the years, including administrative positions in industry, retail and education. A few include being a teacher’s aide in the Southington elementary system, jobs at D&L store, Cuno Inc., Clark Brothers Bolt and pursuing her own successful 20+ year run as a classic “Avon Lady.”  

After marrying her boyhood love, James Shoneck, in the early 50’s, Pat became a dedicated, adoring family matriarch to her four rambunctious boys -- Ted, Tim, Jeff and Scott Shoneck. Pat exemplified the patience, love, toughness, moral example, and joyous enthusiasm for her family that was needed to handle her high-spirited lot.  She was a classic “mom” not only to her boys but to their extended circle of friends and loves throughout the years.  She embraced her sons’ spouses as her own children as well – Karen, Felicia, Penny, Paula and David. Pat also enriched her life with her beloved scores of cats, too numerous to mention.

With a quick smile and kind word, Pat was the textbook extrovert.  Her life was filled with friends, whom she loved, worried about and supported just like her own family.  She was a singer whose beautiful soprano voice graced us her whole life.  Always on-the-go, Pat balanced family with her love of community theatre, chorus and choir recitals.  She sang in local churches and shone forth through performances in local area community theatre and chorale societies for many years. 

Pat was blessed with a second husband and her soulmate, Paul Lachmund, who complemented her humor and outgoing nature, until his death in 2001.   Pat was “forever 39,” always looking younger and more vibrant with every passing year.   Her vitality and generous nature rewarded her manifold, including the love and friendship of her longtime companion, Bob Southland, later in her life.  Bob, a US Navy veteran, survives her. 

Pat is also survived by sons, Ted Shoneck and his wife Karen Bernier-Shoneck of Delaware, Jeff Shoneck and Paula Allard of Plantsville, Tim Shoneck and Penny of Massachusetts, and son-in-law, David Wallach of Burlington, CT.   She is survived by sister-in-law, Rose Holmes of Wallingford and brother-in-law, Dick Parizo.   In addition to her parents and two husbands, she was predeceased by her brother, Burr Holmes and her sister, Audrey (Holmes) Parizo. Pat is forever “Nana” to Jessica McLawhon, Adam Shoneck and Megan McClees, Krista Mae and Tiffany Shoneck, Tyler Shoneck, and Rebecca and Sarah Allard.  She is also a doting great-grandmother to Paulie Shoneck, Jack and Libby McLawhon and Bennett McClees.  Finally, she is now joyfully reunited with her youngest son, Scott Shoneck, who passed in 2020. 

The family thanks close family friends Tresa and Jason Baczewski of Bristol CT, John and Corrine Watts of Southington, and Joyce Majeski of Meriden for their love and support.  We also thank MidState Medical Center for their exemplary care and professionalism. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society (https://cthumane.org). 

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 3rd from 4pm-7pm at the Plantsville Funeral Home (975 S. Main St., Plantsville). A funeral service will be begin at 10 am on Thursday, January 4th at the Plantsville Congregational Church (109 Church St., Plantsville). Please meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Southington.  For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.