Patricia "Patti" Joy Kiefer

Patti was a vibrant wife, sister, step-mother, and grandmother who will be remembered for her glamorous style (pink hair!), loving relationships, and fun personality. Patricia, 80, of Jensen Beach, FL passed peacefully at home after a brief, but intense bout with lung cancer on August 23rd, 2026, her loving husband of 51 years by her side.

She was born in Rutherford, NJ in 1945, to John S. Plant and Teresa (Higgins) Plant. She was their only daughter, and the recipient of adoration from her three brothers, two older, Jack & Barry, and younger brother Alan. A close family, the adult children followed John & Teresa in moving from NJ to Florida. Patti and her husband, Charlie moved into her parent’s home in Jensen Beach after John & Teresa passed away, and made it their own.

After High School & college, Patti got a job with Bell Labs in Holmdel, NJ, where she worked for 18 years. Patricia met her husband, Charles Kiefer right before they unknowingly moved into the same apartment complex (kismet!), and they’ve been inseparable ever since. The two were married at Monmouth County Courthouse on June 18th, 1975. When they moved to Florida, Patti got a job as secretary at Enabling Technologies, where Charlie worked as a salesman of Braille embossers. Patti worked there for 20 years until retiring a few years after Charlie.

Patti and Charlie have many close friends they consider family. They enjoyed dining, boating, vacationing, and spending time with family and friends. Patti loved to shop, constantly updating her home and wardrobe. She loved the holidays and decorating, and was very generous with her favorite charities. They almost always had a dog or two and considered them their furry children. They had a bird, Ricky-bird, for many years. I picture Patti surrounded by her beloved pets now.

Charlie had two young sons when they met, so Patti became a step-mom to Guy and Michael Kiefer. When the boys grew their own families, Patti became a step-mother-in-law to Sandi (Guy) and Lynn (Michael) and a grandmother to Guy’s sons, Matt & Casey, and Michael’s children, Jamar, Gage, Hudson, Garrett, and Kai lynn. Patti was a natural grandmother, spoiling the grandchildren, especially during the holidays. The family continued to grow when the boys married, adding Mady (Gage), Lauren (Hudson), Kalee (Casey), and Mikayla (Garrett.)

She is predeceased by her parents, and older brothers, Jack and his wife Joan, and Barry and his wife, Diane.

Patti is survived by her younger brother Alan, whom she still referred to as “my baby brother,” and his wife, Judy, and their son, Patti’s nephew, Marty. Alan was also by Patti’s side the weekend she passed. Patti is also survived by her niece, JoAnn, from brother Jack, who came to live with Patti and Charlie briefly after her parents died. She has a nephew, Aaron from brother Barry. Patti and Charlie also stayed in close contact with Patti’s cousin Bob & wife, Anneliese Crefeld, from Whippany, NJ. They have 2 daughters, Donna & Diane.

Patti and Charlie’s friends, Kathy and Gary (deceased)) Marangio were extended family, the four inseparable since they met through brother Alan, vacationing together, dining together regularly, and supporting each other through the ups and downs of life.

Patti will always be remembered for her JOY, her pink hair, her love. We will remember her when we decorate for the holidays, when we see a Home Shopping or QVC commercial, when we look at our pets (who loved snuggling with grandma,) when we see glitter, and when we watch the ID channel she introduced us to. We couldn’t have asked for a better wife, step-mother/in-law, grandmother, sister, and friend, and will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

There is no service at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Treasure Coast Hospice in Patricia’s name, as they were wonderful to her and Charlie during this difficult separation.