Captain Patricia “Pat” Jane (Jewell) Arringdale, of Cape Coral, Florida, passed into glory on April 28, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born a Daughter of the American Revolution on October 24, 1938, in Augusta, Maine, Pat lived a life defined by adventure, determination, and deep love for her family. She was an accomplished and spirited woman whose presence left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

Pat built a distinguished career as a Senior Lab Specialist in Research and Development at IBM, where she worked for over two decades. Though she excelled professionally, her true passion was the sea. A devoted sailor, she found her greatest joy on the water, where she felt most at home.

She turned that passion into a remarkable second chapter, becoming a licensed captain and running a successful sailing business aboard her beloved 42-foot ketch, Gusto. For more than 20 years, Pat made her home on the water, sharing her knowledge and love of sailing with others. She was especially passionate about empowering women to sail, teaching countless students with patience and enthusiasm.

Pat spent many unforgettable years sailing from port to port with her devoted husband, Michael. They chartered many seas, rarely lingering for very long periods of time on land. Aboard Gusto, they regularly journeyed offshore from the Chesapeake Bay to the Bahamas, with familiar stops in Beaufort and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Fernandina Beach and Lake Worth, Florida; and throughout the Bahamas. Their exciting and extraordinary life together is wrapped in memories and countless stories that would take a lifetime to capture in detail.

Her love for sailing extended into her family life. Each summer, she created precious memories by taking her grandchildren sailing along the coasts of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Those trips were filled with laughter, adventure, and a touch of daring as she embraced the responsibility of keeping those she loved most safe.

Pat’s adventurous spirit was perhaps best exemplified in 1991, when she sailed through the remnants of a hurricane while crossing the Long Island Sound with her entire family on board—an experience that became a legendary story of resilience and trust in her skill and leadership.

She lived her life with purpose, passion, and an unwavering love for those around her. Whether on land or sea, Pat embraced every moment fully and inspired others to do the same.

Pat was predeceased by her oldest son, John Barton. She is survived by her loving husband, George Michael Arringdale; her sister, Jeanne VanPelt; her sons, Gary Barton and his wife Damarys Barton, and William Barton; her grandchildren, Heather Barton-Ziegler, Amy Barton and her husband, Benton Mahoney, Kenneth Barton, Charish (Barton) Dissinger and her husband Austin Dissinger, and Andrew Barton; and her great-grandchildren, Maggie Sue Ziegler, Reese, Evan, Dean, and Caroline Dissinger.

Pat will be remembered for her fearless spirit, her generous heart, and the boundless love she had for her family and the sea. Her legacy sails on in all who were fortunate enough to know her. There will be two Celebrations of Life held in both Cape Coral, FL, and the Hudson Valley, NY. Details for these celebrations will be determined and announced at a later date.