Arlene Patricia Scherff, lovingly known as “Pat,” passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2025, at her home, leaving behind a life marked by faith, devotion to family, and a generous heart for both people and animals.
Born on October 7, 1936, in New York City, Pat was the daughter of the late Mildred P. Rose and Charles C. Smith. She spent her early years in Dumont, NJ and later moved with her family to West Palm Beach, Florida, in 1950. Pat graduated from Palm Beach High School in 1954 and returned north to Arlington, NJ, where she attended the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City.
Pat worked as a secretary for several companies throughout her career, including McGraw-Hill, Olin Mathieson Chemical Company, Vick Chemical Company, and American Cyanamid Company. She remained with American Cyanamid until her retirement in 1986.
Following her retirement in 1986, Pat started a toy business, which she operated until 2001. In 1977, she made her home in Frankford Township, New Jersey, where she resided until the present.
A lifelong lover of horses, Pat had a special passion for Arabians, which she owned, bred, and trained. She also had a deep love for dogs, sharing her life with twelve canine companions over the years.
Pat was a devoted member of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Hardyston, New Jersey. Through the church, she led Bible studies for women in Newton, New Jersey, and for residents of Bentley Assisted Living, offering comfort, fellowship, and spiritual guidance to many.
She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Scherff; her parents; and her brother, Randy Smith. Pat is survived by her close friends, whom she considered her family, Deborah and Ralph Flatt; sister, Irene Lee Smith; her stepson, Fred Adolph, and his wife, Linda; her step-grandson, Chuck Adolph; her step-great-granddaughter, Karina; her niece, Joanne Witting; and her nephew, James Witting.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 2 PM – 4 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM at Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main Street, Branchville, NJ. A funeral service will take place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11 AM at the funeral home.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
