Obituary of Patricia L. Spithaler

On the afternoon of Tuesday, June 14, 2022, Pat (Patricia) Spithaler died, surrounded by family. Pat was 68. She lived in Ithaca, NY with her husband (Marty), near her daughter (Hope), son-in-law (Cody), and grandson (Arlo). Pat was born in 1953 to Jeanne Kelly and raised in Swedesboro, NJ. She graduated from Kingsway Regional High School in 1972 and married her husband Marty the following year. Pat worked in various roles, including, most proudly, as a supervisor at a sewing factory, Marilyn Dress Co. She also loved supporting her community and led fundraisers for Trinity Episcopal Church, Walter Hill Elementary, and Kingsway Regional High School. In 1985, Pat became the owner and operator of her own home goods shop Just the Little Things in Swedesboro. After enjoying 14 years of marriage, Pat and Marty welcomed their newborn daughter Hope in 1987 through adoption. The following year, Pat was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which she battled bravely throughout her life. In 2010, Pat and Marty retired to the Delaware shore area where they enjoyed local seafood, orange crushes, and vending their stained-glass projects at local craft fairs. In 2020, Pat moved to Ithaca, NY to be closer to her daughter and family. Pat had a keen eye for design and was a talented arts-and-craftswoman. From stained glass to cross-stitch to stencil to Christmas ornaments, Pat excelled. When she wasn’t crafting, she was busy making calls to family and friends, making or writing a thoughtful card, or, inevitably, wrapping a gift, which was the perfect nexus of her loves of shopping and giving to others. Pat was known for her generosity, her saucy personality, her laugh, and her often inappropriate sense of humor. She loved baking for loved ones and most enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Pat is preceded in death by her mother Jeanne, her brother Howard, her nan Emma, her nephew Scott, and her dear friends Paulette Nauta and Jill Rode. Pat is survived by her husband Marty, daughter Hope, son-in-law Cody, grandson Arlo, like-a-daughter Shanna (Christian), sister Tooty (Steve), sister Robin (Bob), brother Jeff (Peggi), brother David, and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. In March of this year, Pat received a shocking terminal brain cancer diagnosis. Though her last months were challenging, they were filled with love. She persevered bravely and was able to enjoy time with family, especially daily visits from her baby grandson Arlo. She maintained her saucy yet sweet spirit until the very end. Celebrating and remembering Pat: A life celebration service will be held on Sunday, June 26 at 12:30pm at Trinity Episcopal Church (1208 Kings Hwy, Swedesboro, NJ 08085). It will be immediately followed by life celebration luncheon at The Red Hen (1303 Kings Hwy, Swedesboro, NJ 08085). As Pat herself didn’t appreciate dark traditions around death, all are encouraged to wear their brightest as we send her off to rest. Memorial contributions may be made in Pat’s honor to the National MS Society by visiting https://mssociety.donordrive.com/campaign/Pat-Spithaler-Memorial-Funds