Patricia passed peacefully on August 14, 2024. She had been a resident of Country Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation in Bethlehem, PA.

Only daughter of Raphael C. and Helen (nee Hart) Peters, Patricia was born in Bronx, NY, November 7, 1935. Ray was a hotel bellman and Helen was a telephone operator. During her childhood, "Patsy" enjoyed vacationing with her aunts, Thea and Adelaide, in The Hamptons.

Pat graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in 1957. Through the Catholic Alumni Club, she met her husband of 50 years, Thomas G. Ryder. They married in October 1963. As the family grew, Pat managed the busy schedules of five (5) children and was primary chauffeur to many soccer games, band practices, Boy Scout meetings, and a myriad other activities.

Pat's early career began in advertising with J. Walter Thompson, in NY. An early claim to fame was that her boss at the firm was Fred Gwynne (aka TV's Herman Munster). This was followed by several decades of unpaid writing and editing while raising children. When the kids were off to school, that afforded the opportunity to return to her writing career. Pat began freelance reporting for the Emmaus Free Press. When East Penn Publishing was ready to expand, she had the opportunity to start the Parkland Press where she honed her skills in newspaper layout. Three years later, she became editor of the Whitehall-Coplay Press. Pat served as President of the PA Affiliate of the National Association of Press Women (NFPW) remaining involved well into her 70's. She was honored to judge their annual high school writing contest.

Pat was passionate about library science (a Dewey Decimal System master). As a librarian, she was also an avid reader and was especially fond of female writers, like Agatha Christie and Janet Evanovich, but she would tell you her all-time favorite was Erma Bombeck. She thoroughly enjoyed helping people understand the nuances of English, even instructing English as a Second Language.

Pat was an avid swimmer and diver. As she taught all her children to swim, they learned that she proudly performed water ballet (synchronized swimming). A back dive off the springboard was her favorite.

For over 30 years, Pat was an active member of the St. Thomas More Allentown parish where she sang in the choir.

In 2000, Pat retired from the newspaper in time to accompany her husband on an international consulting assignment in Tokyo, Japan. Together, they relished in the local culture and cuisine. Pat's time there afforded her the opportunity to take many photos which later became the subject of her artistic talents.

Upon her return to the States, Pat joined the Parkland Art League exploring her skills in oil and watercolor painting. She was proud to exhibit her work at many community venues earning an honorable mention at one of the PAL shows.

Over the years, Pat and Tom enjoyed traveling the world so much that they formed a travel agency. They shared their enthusiasm for cruising with many friends and clients. They traveled to every continent. Domestically, their travel included both Hawaii and Alaska, as well as road trips across the

lower 48. Of all the places around the globe she visited, Pat would tell you that her favorite city was San Diego.

Pat is survived by her children Tom (Kate) Ryder, Christine (Titus) Brookins, Jim (Tammy) Ryder, Bob Ryder and Kathleen (Nick) Caserio, and grandchildren Kellen, Timothy, Briana, and Gabrielle Brookins; Madison, Sean, Mikaela, Emma, and Jane Ryder; Marissa (Mark) Koci (1st great grandchild on the way); Whitley, Chatham and Charleston Caserio, as well as a host of friends.

Visitation will be 6– 8 PM on Tuesday, 8/20/24, at Norcross-Weber Funeral Home, 101 N Main St, Coopersburg, PA 18036. On Wednesday, 8/21/24, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM at St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Ave. A viewing will be held prior to Mass from 10-11 AM. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Pat Ryder's name to:

NFPW Education Fund

140B Purcellville Gateway Dr.

Suite 120, Purcellville, VA 20132 https://www.nfpw.org/education-fund

OR

Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop

c/o Office of Annual Giving

University of Dayton

300 College Park

Dayton, Ohio 45469-7056 https://udayton.edu/artssciences/initiatives/erma/about/support.php