Patricia "Prou" Prousawvell

Patricia Prousawvell, born Patricia Ann Prew, passed away due to congestive heart failure on August 8, 2024, at the age of 83 in Madison, WI.  She was born April 4, 1941, in Prairie du Chien, WI, to Henry and Eleanor Prew and was one of 12 children. 

She is survived by her son, David Sawvell of Madison, WI and her daughter, Christina Greer of Washington State, as well as three brothers, Roger Prew, Jim Prew and Mark Prew; and two sisters, Janice Prew and Rose Ohman.

She was a lifelong learner and avid reader but left high school early to work.  She was eager to go back and get her GED and accomplished that in 1976. After meeting her husband, J. Edward Sawvell, at the local pizza parlor where both of them worked, they lived together in Prairie du Chien, WI until 1988 when they moved to Madison, WI.  

P’trice loved creative endeavors. She designed both homes the couple lived in while her husband did most of the construction and landscaping. She worked in advertising for two different newspapers and loved photography. She was often seen with her camera, later developing the pictures and sharing them with others. This was especially true in her genealogy work. She spent her free time in libraries, historical societies, and church basements looking for records of family members. She successfully traced several sides of the family back to their native countries. She also enjoyed cooking. She and her husband were known for their pizza parties, and she was always on the lookout for new recipes.  

P’trice loved being outside walking in nature.  Despite a severe ankle injury, she continued to walk and ride her bike into her 80s. It fit her well then when she chose to have a natural burial at Natural Path Sanctuary in Verona, WI.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420