Patricia Marie Spencer, 79, of Jeffersonville, Indiana transitioned out of life peacefully at home on August 5, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on August 31, 1946 in New Albany, Indiana, the oldest daughter of the late John Zurschmiede and Alta Merrifield.

She graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 1964 and went to Bryant & Stratton Business College. She worked at Standard Oil for 11 years, leaving upon the birth of her daughter.

Patricia traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canda visiting many National Monuments and State Parks. She also traveled to France, Germany, England, and Belgium.

In her 40s, she reinvented herself by going back to school at Indiana University, Southeast campus, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She was working on her Master of Arts degree at the University of Louisville when she was offered a position as Academic Specialist at IU, Southeast campus. There, as a Writing Consultant, she worked with thousands of students, including those from around the world, over her 20 year career. For her, it was a privilege to learn how other people live and to see how we are all alike.

Patricia was an introverted person who had a small circle of friends. She was witty, kept up on current events, and enjoyed satire immensely. She loved her backyard garden and spent many hours there with her dog Stoli.

Patricia was a poet, and her poetry was published throughout the nation in many literary journals. Her poetry won The Edna Meudt Memorial Scholarship Award, a national recognition. Over the years, her short fiction and poetry also won awards in the Kentuckiana Metroversity writing competitions.

She is survived by her daughter Erica Spencer and son-in-law Stephen Winship, and her sister and brother-in-law Barbara and George Houghton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Larry Zurshmiede and her step-father James Merrifield.

At the family’s request there will be no service at this time. To honor her memory, the family encourages you to make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (now known as the Blood Cancer United).

Arrangements have been entrusted to B&G Mortuary Service. Please share a memory.