Patricia A. Rymer, age 74, beloved sister, aunt, and warm-hearted soul, passed away peacefully surrounded by the comfort and love of her family on March 1, 2026. 

One of four children born to Joseph and Marie Rymer, Patricia (Patty) grew up in Paterson, NJ where she attended St. Mary’s grammar school and was a student in St. Mary’s High School's last graduating class of 1969.

After high school, Patty attended Marywood College in Scranton, PA, majoring in journalism and graduating in 1973. Patty’s years at Marywood College were some of the happiest of her life. She often spoke about her time there with a bright smile, remembering the friendships she formed and the memories that shaped her into the woman we all loved. Patty had a natural ease about her during her college years — she was kind, welcoming, and effortlessly cool driving around in her yellow Triumph convertible.

After graduation, Patty was a sales associate for Bamberger’s Department Store at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, NJ, which was rebranded to Macy’s in 1986. This job was a good fit for her, as she enjoyed helping and speaking with people. She worked here for many years before retiring in 2008. 

Patty shared a truly special and one-of-a-kind bond with her beloved mother, Marie. The two of them were a duo in every sense of the word — friends, confidantes, and constant companions. They experienced simple joys together: watching their favorite soap operas, heading out for Christmas shopping trips, and getting lost in long, meaningful conversations over a hot cup of tea. Their connection was built on love, mutual respect, and unwavering care for one another. It was a relationship that brought comfort, strength, and endless warmth to Patty. 

Patty’s love extended just as fiercely to her nieces and nephew. They were her world — the lights of her life — and she took immense pride in each of them. She celebrated their accomplishments, supported them through challenges, and showered them with affection at every opportunity. When great-nieces and great-nephews came along, her heart simply expanded. She embraced each new little one with the same boundless love, often saying, "A hug from them was all the medicine she needed." Family was everything to Patty, and the devotion she showed will remain a lasting gift to all who were blessed to call her Aunt.

Patty had a beautiful way of making people feel seen. She was always the one asking how you were doing — and truly wanting to know the answer. Conversations with her never felt rushed; she listened with genuine interest, remembered the little details, and followed up with thoughtful questions that showed how deeply she cared. She was sure to contact every family member on their birthday and would enjoy reaching out to a friend to reminisce. 

She was incredibly smart and endlessly knowledgeable, someone who loved to learn and share what she knew. Whether discussing history or current events, Patty brought insight and curiosity to every conversation. She enjoyed watching Jeopardy and Cash Cab because it challenged her mind, enjoyed watching football as a Kansas City Chiefs fan, and, of course, she had a love for The Beatles — their music was the soundtrack to so many chapters of her life.

Patty faced challenges in her life with a quiet strength that defined her in many ways. Though her path was not always easy, she met each obstacle with courage and grace, leaning on the love of those closest to her. Through it all, her sisters, Elaine and Janet, stood by her side. They were her protectors, her advocates, and her constant source of encouragement. With unwavering devotion, they did everything they could to care for her, lift her spirits, and make sure she felt supported.

Above all, Patty’s heart was her greatest gift. She carried a deep concern for others, always a source of comfort. Her caring nature and thoughtful spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Patty was so loved and will be truly missed. 

Patricia is survived by her 3 siblings: Joseph F. Rymer and his wife Janet of Cape May, Elaine M. Navarro of West Milford, and Janet M. Fabiano and her husband Bob of Wayne; her 3 nieces: Erin Samples and her husband Brian, Lauren Rendine and her husband Luke, and Christina Vena and her husband Chase; her nephew: Frank Fabiano and his partner Derek Lopez; and her great nephews and nieces Matthew, Adam, Brooke, Hannah, and Ricky. 

Patricia is predeceased by her parents, Joseph A. Rymer and Marie M. (nee Carnevale) Rymer, and her brother-in-law Richard Navarro (Richie). 

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, NJ on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 10-11 AM. 

An 11:30 AM funeral mass will follow at St. Mary’s RC Church, 410 Union Ave., Paterson, NJ. 

Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 52 Totowa Road, Totowa, NJ immediately following the funeral mass. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson's Foundation would be appreciated.