Patricia Ann Stalder, 96, passed away Thursday, August 22nd, 2024 @ 7:10 am at the Advent Health Hospice Center in Orlando, FL near Loch Haven Park.
Patricia was born on Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13th, 1928, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey at Mountainside Hospital. She was the first born of 3 children of the late Samuel Pantley and Gertrude May (Wilkinson) Pantley. Her brother, Samuel Murray Pantley and her sister, Jane Alice Van Howling preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 69 years John Stalder, Jr. who passed away on Dec. 1, 2019. Patricia is survived by her 2 children: Laurel Jane Bookhardt and Christopher John Stalder, her grandchildren: Rebecca Ann Bookhardt and Samuel Edward Bookhardt, her great grandson Asher, her son-in-law Gary Bookhardt, and loving nieces and a nephew.
Patricia was a Barbizon Model in New York City and a telephone switchboard operator. She attended Montclair Teaching College in New Jersey and then taught 5th grade for 10 years before moving to Orlando, FL with her husband John Stalder, Jr. who took a position with Martin Marietta. Eventually they both became Real Estate Brokers, and she helped with the family business in Orlando Central Park, then in downtown Orlando on Central Blvd. near Lake Eola. Patricia was a community builder and served as President of the Pine Castle Woman’s Club for several years. She enjoyed playing bridge, bicycling, cooking, entertaining and beach vacations. She loved children and the precious time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandson. For many years, Patricia was a faithful volunteer in the Fern Creek Elementary reading program.
A memorial service will be held at Park Lake Presbyterian Church where she had been a member since 1964. At Park Lake, Patricia was a tireless volunteer and served as a deacon, an elder and President of Presbyterian Women. She was a great soprano and featured soloist in the church choirs for over 50 years. She loved music her whole life long.