Patricia Ann (Hawes) Gengler

   Patricia Ann (Hawes) Gengler, 79, of Cromwell, beloved wife of the late Frederick J. Gengler, Sr, passed peacefully in her sleep with family at her bedside on May 22, 2026, at Middlesex Hospital after a brief illness.  She was born in Manchester, CT, on October 12, 1946, to the late Henry A. Hawes and Bertha V. (Smith) Hawes.

   She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Middletown and then graduated from the New England School of Hairdressing.  She worked as a cosmetologist for a short time before taking time to stay home to raise her family.  After her children were older and she rejoined the workforce, she worked in retail, doing sales or training for most of her career at many businesses in Middletown and Cromwell.

     She was a devoted mother who was a Girl Scout Leader, a Den Mom, a Room Mom, and the mom who always had snacks and all knew they were welcome in her home.   Pat and Fred shared a loving marriage and a home that was always full of love and laughter. As her family grew, and she became a grandmother, she found her greatest joy in spending joy with her grandchildren.  She was known as Llamba or Reba to her grandchildren, and again, her house was the favorite after-school hangout for the next generation of Genglers.  Besides her grandchildren, Pat loved all animals, always having many cats and, later in life, her best friend, Mack. After Mack’s passing, she enjoyed visiting the dogs in her neighborhood and her grand dogs. Most of all, Pat will always be remembered for the love that she showed to her family, her kindness to others, and her lifelong devoted love to all animals. 

   She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Gengler Hallden of Cromwell and her son Frederick J. Gengler, Jr. and his wife, Nicole of Oxford; six grandchildren:  Danielle, Austin, Noah, Isabella, Annelise, and Rhiannon; a sister, Sharon Minick, of Clinton, two brothers, Gary Hawes of Westbrook and Daniel Hawes and his wife Carol of Meriden; brother-in-law, Michael Gengler and his wife Sandra of Strasburg, VA; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and special lifelong friends that were extended family. She was predeceased by her brother Henry A. Hawes, Jr.

     Friends may call on Thursday, June 18th, between 5:00 and 7:00 pm at Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell, CT 06416.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT, 06111, www.cthumane.org, because of her great love of all animals.  Graveside memorial and a burial will be private at the request of the family.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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