Patricia Anne (Vanderhoff) Gessner

A proud native of South Jersey, Patricia (Patti) was born in Somers Point on August 23, 1943 to Mary Clara Fitzpatrick and Milton Allen Vanderhoff. As a child Patti loved playing by the bay, going to the movies and spending time with her younger brother, Milton. Patti attended Ocean City High School. As a student, English was her favorite subject fostering what would become a lifelong love of reading and writing. Crossword puzzles were a favorite pastime.

In 1966, Patti married the love of her life, Allen Gessner. Together they moved to North Jersey (Pompton Lakes and then West Milford) lovingly raised three children and built a connected and happy life together over the course of 59 years with family at the center. They were each other’s best friends.

A skilled seamstress and creator of fine and elaborate works of art using thread and needle, Patricia’s hands were never still… creating cherished heirlooms for family including Halloween costumes and a crocheted wedding dress and doll clothes across the generations. Later in life, having relocated to Columbus, Ohio, Patricia knit countless hats for babies in the neonatal unit of Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

While a resident of Pompton Plains, New Jersey, her children then grown, Patricia poured her heart and hands into leading two groups of women dedicated to community service. Having lost her own mother tragically at the age of 7, Patricia was drawn to older women and together with Allen, facilitated rich social and service experiences for the two groups, whose membership was largely senior women. Many outings were planned to local places of interest as well as concerts and area playhouses. To celebrate members turning 100 years old, Patricia’s festive high tea parties were a highlight, complete with made from scratch (of course!) scones, lemon curd and freshly whipped Devonshire cream.

As empty nesters, travel with Allen created a tapestry of enriching adventures, often with one or more grandchild along. Destinations varied and included Graceland (in honor of Patricia’s love of all things Elvis), Amish Country in Ohio and Pennsylvania, many national parks plus England, Ireland, Holland and Alaska. A favorite family memory is Patricia and Allen at the canoe launch on Lake Louise, Canada, having arrived only to find it had just closed for the day. Patricia dared speak up, likely thinking of her husband’s disappointment more than her own. Thankfully, the attendant empathized and off they went… hearts filled with joy, grinning ear to ear, gliding over the water… just as they had for so long dreamed.

Most recently, Patricia’s advancing Alzheimer’s Disease led to a move for the couple to a local senior living community. From the start, Patricia noticed and took under her wing the neighbors who struggled more… No longer able to create her own works of needle art, she willingly assisted staff in the on-site setup of art shows and fundraisers benefiting the community.

Often one to speak up for those who did not have a voice, or whose voice was shaky, Patricia loved passionately and ceaselessly. While she lived a life in service to others, it was abundantly clear that her family was her greatest adventure, her most brilliant creation and her deepest source of joy. She will be forever missed by her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and will always be an immeasurable part of who we are and how we love.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Allen Gessner, her children, Walt (Cathy) Gessner, Mary (Greg) Padley, Alison (George) Rooney and Moira Finch Messinger; nephew Milton A. Vanderhoff III; grandchildren, Grace (Andrew) Passerelli, Seth Gessner, Caleb (Kira) Gessner, Henry Graham and Mary Emma Padley, Nate, Lucas and Lexi Rooney, Ryan (Heather) Messinger, Christopher Finch Messinger; great grandchildren, Katelyn, Tyler and Camden Passarelli, Kobe Gessner, Rylee, Samuel and Hayden Messinger; great-nephews Joseph and Aiden Vanderhoff as well as cousins, aunts and uncles.

Patricia is predeceased by her parents Mary Clara Vanderhoff (Fitzpatrick) and Milton Allen Vanderhoff, beloved uncle, Edwin (Eddie) Vanderhoff, brother Milton A. Vanderhoff Jr., great-niece Joyce Vanderhoff and grandson Patrick Messinger.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff of Senior Star Dublin Retirement Village in Dublin, Ohio for their skilled and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at https://alzfdn.org/.