Patricia "Patti" Lee Allen

(Skolmutch, Medal)

March 17, 1939 – January 15, 2026

Patricia "Patti" Lee Allen, age 86, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of North Canton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 15, 2026. She faced her courageous battle with Alzheimer's surrounded by her loving family, who adored her deeply. Patti was born on March 17, 1939, to the late Seldon and Mabel (Hiple) Skolmutch, being the third of four children. A proud graduate of Timken Vocational High School in 1957, she also completed her education at Cosmetology School.

Patti's life was marked by love and devotion, first marrying Dominic "Nick" R. Medal, the owner of Nick's Shoe Service in Canton, Ohio. After moving to Florida, she found love again with the late Robert (Bob) Lester Allen.

A woman of profound faith, Patti was a devoted member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in North Canton and later McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, where she actively participated in church ministries. She was the matriarch of her family, a keeper of traditions who upheld family values, faith, customs, and wisdom. Her spirited and fun-loving nature made her a beloved figure among family and friends, and she was legendary for her cooking and hospitality. Many affectionately referred to her as the "Hostess with the Mostess."

Patti's favorite holiday was St. Patrick's Day, celebrated with grand festivities in honor of her birthday. She cherished cooking Italian meals on Sundays, often dedicating the entire day to this tradition, enjoying the time spent with her children, siblings, friends, and neighbors. Each holiday was an opportunity for her to create special memories, and she approached life with an overflowing glass, eager to embrace new experiences and cultivate friendships with everyone she met.

Patti's legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends.

Patti is survived by her loving two children, son Joseph (Shari) Medal, of Canton, Ohio; daughter, Gina (Rich) Ter Haar, of Naples, FL; daughter-in-law Darla (Turner) Medal of Hartville, Ohio; five grandchildren, Michael J. (Brenda) Medal II, Ricky (Collette) Thrasher, Joseph (Chais) Medal, Taryn (Donny) Hammill, and Maria (Jamal) James; brother, Jon (Marcia) Skolmutch of Fullerton, CA as well as several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sons Michael J. Medal and Daniel R. Medal; brother, Paul (Marilyn) Skolmutch, and sister Caryll (Bill) Boccuti.

Family and friends will be received at Rossi Family Funeral Home (730 30th Street NW, Canton Ohio) on Thursday, January 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will be immediately following at Calvary Cemetery. Those wishing to send their condolences, or share a fond memory, may sign the Rossi Family Guestbook at www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association/Florida Gulf Coast Chapter at www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate, in memory of Patricia Lee Allen. (800) 272-3900

"I am home in heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over. Ever restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, safely home at last."