Patricia M. (Maxwell) Bushnell

Patricia (Patsy) Maxwell Bushnell passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2026, alongside Rick, her husband of 57 years.

Early Life and Education

Born in Denver, Colorado, on July 11, 1946, Patsy was the daughter of Catherine Shagina and William Maxwell. She grew up in Denver, attending Lincoln High School, where she served as a cheerleader and a volunteer for the student guidance counselor.

Patsy continued her education at Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, graduating in 1968 with a degree in sociology. During her college years, she was a distinguished member of the Alpha Z Delta sorority, twice receiving the Diamond Quill award for the highest grade point average. Beyond academics, she was a leader on campus, serving on the Student Center Board to oversee student social activities. It was also during her time at Parsons College that she met her future husband, Rick Bushnell.

Career and Professional Life

Following graduation, Patsy joined Rick on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, where they both worked at the Harvey Cedars Tavern. The couple became engaged in the fall of 1968 and married on February 8, 1969.

Patsy’s professional career began at a stock brokerage, where her work in margin accounting sparked a lifelong passion for investments. She later applied her talents as a real estate agent and eventually served as the CFO for her husband’s consulting firm.

Family and Community

Patsy is survived by her husband, Rick, and her sons, Richard and William. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Catherine. She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Ben, Lex, Blake, Brooke, and William (Max, Jr.).

In retirement, Patsy and Rick moved to Surf City, NJ. She was a vibrant part of the community, serving in leadership roles for the Garden Club of LBI and maintaining her own beautiful garden. An accomplished duplicate bridge player with many Master’s points, she used her organizational skills to establish a ladies' afternoon bridge club on the island.

Adventure and Later Years

Patsy and Rick shared a deep love for travel. In 1999, they purchased a sailboat and spent seven years cruising the Caribbean. Their adventures continued across Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Hawaii.

In 2022, following the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, Patsy and Rick moved to the Medford Leas Continuing Care Retirement Community, where she quickly established a wide circle of new friends.

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Service Information

A Mass will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 1:00 PM at:  St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church 40 Jackson Rd, Medford, NJ 08055

The family will receive guests starting at 12:30 PM. A remembrance reception will follow at 2:00 PM at Medford Leas, 1 Medford Leas Way, Medford, NJ 08055.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Patsy’s honor to Samaritan Hospice for the exceptional support and professional care they provided: (SamaritanNJ.org)

(www.BradleyStow.com)

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