Mary Patrica Cochran

Pat Cochran, born Mary Patricia Schryver, passed away on March 16, 2026. She would have turned 80 on April 22, fittingly celebrated as Earth Day.

Pat’s kind and calming presence, along with her quick smile, brought comfort to all who knew her. Never one to sit still, she lived an active, supportive, and involved life. She was incredibly proud of her children and was an amazing mom, mentor, and confidant. Her grandchildren filled her with immense joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She was a very special Gama.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Elinor Schryver, and is survived by her daughter Becky Skinner and husband Ben, and their children Josh and Leah; her son Michael Cochran and wife Heather, and their children Emily and Sally; her brother Jim Schryver and his wife Melanie; her nephew Charlie Schryver; and numerous beloved extended family members.

Pat grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, where she developed a deep appreciation for eating crab and a love of being near bodies of water. She attended Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where she became a cytotechnologist. As an adult, she moved to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and was employed at Akron St. Thomas Hospital. As her children’s activities filled her life, she transitioned to a part-time role working in the cafeteria at Woodridge Elementary School, retiring in 2011.

She valued time spent with her extended family and especially loved occasions when everyone could be together. Pat was a steadfast and loyal friend who maintained close relationships with friends from every stage of her life. She enjoyed catching up through long phone calls—often while washing dishes. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with friends and spending meaningful time with her family. She was part of a close-knit group of friends who regularly gathered to enjoy themed dinners together.

Pat enjoyed nature, whether appreciating the blues of the sky, hearing birds, or going for walks. She had a love of learning and was always reading. She often found peace in music, particularly when listening to piano pieces and songs from the 1950s and 1960s. She was an avid fan of Cleveland sports teams and The Ohio State Buckeyes.

An active member of Bethany United Church of Christ in Cuyahoga Falls, Pat deeply valued the friendships and connections she made within the church community. She was always eager to help and generously supported many organizations, volunteering with Bethany Church, Akron Civic Theatre, EJ Thomas, Lock 3, Habitat for Humanity, Family Promise, Good Neighbors, and many others.