Patricia Stard

Patricia Ann Stard (nee: Callahan), 47, of Mays Landing passed away suddenly on July 6, 2012. Patti was born in Atlantic City and resided in Mays Landing for most of her life. She graduated from Oakcrest High School in 1983 and worked as a buyer in the Sands’ purchasing department for years following high school. In 2005, she achieved her life-long dream of graduating from college and becoming a teacher. Patti worked at the William Davies Middle School for her entire career. Patti met her husband Charlie in January of 1993 after being introduced by her cousins Rita and George. After marrying in 1994, they briefly moved to North Carolina but returned home to Mays Landing shortly after her first niece was born. Patti and Charlie were inseparable. He was the love of her life and made her very happy. Patti devoted her life to her family, especially her two boys, Colin Joseph and Thomas Patrick. She was so proud of Colin having received a scholarship to attend St. Augustine Prep where he just finished his first year as an honor student. She was elated when Tommy made his First Holy Communion this past Spring. Patti Ann was a constant source of pride to her mother, Patricia. Patti Ann was her mom’s baby and they loved each other more than words can say. She was dedicated to her mother and they shared a special bond. They spoke daily and were friends and confidants. Every Mother’s Day Patti Ann would plant a beautiful garden at her mother’s house. They enjoyed decorating “Mom Mom’s” house together for all of the holidays. She was the best big sister anyone could ask for. She inspired her sisters and supported them in everything they did. Patti Ann had a knack for decorating, crafting and sewing and was looking forward to helping Sherri decorate her newly renovated home. She introduced her sisters to the wonders of New York City, taking them and her mom to museums, Broadway shows and the best restaurants. In 2002, they attended the Tony Awards. Aunt Patti was a second mother to her five nieces who adored her. Patti was the fun aunt who enjoyed playing cards and games and took them to midnight showing of the latest movies, followed by sleepovers. Patti was over the moon when her youngest niece arrived in April and we are comforted that they were able to meet each other. Patti loved the holidays. At Christmas, Patti would bake wonderful cookies and cakes for the family, decorated her house with all of her favorite Christmas decorations and showered everyone with love and care. She made sure that her boys always had the best Christmas mornings. She brought her creativity to her annual egg decorating and Halloween parties for the kids. She was famous for making extraordinary cakes for family birthdays and holidays and had just completed her latest masterpiece for her oldest niece Marie’s 17th birthday on the morning she passed away. Patti enjoyed going to Chicago to visit her extended family, including her niece Kristin, her nephew Kenneth. She also visited New Hampshire to spend time with her mother-in- law, Margaret, and other relatives, like her niece, Vanessa and nephew Mike. Patti was truly the nicest person one could ever meet. Her vibrant personality would light up a room. She was loved by all of her cousins, friends, neighbors, students and co-workers who will miss her dearly. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten by her husband, Charles, two sons Colin (14) and Thomas (8), mother Patricia Callahan, sister and brother-in-law Sherri and Mic Michel and their three daughters, Marie, Christa and Noelle, sister and brother-in-law Christie and Thomas Comerford and their two daughters Callie and Ciana; mother-in-law Margaret Stard; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dorothy and Ken Kite and their children and grandchildren, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ann and Warren Barker and their children and grandchildren and her Uncle Ray Styles. Relatives and friends are invited to gather and celebrate her life on Wednesday, July 11th from 6-8 pm, at the Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main St., Mays Landing. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, 11 am, at the St. Vincent de Paul Church, 5021 Harding Hwy., Mays Landing, where friends and family may gather from 10 am until the time of the mass. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the "Colin and Thomas Stard Education Fund" c/o Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main St., Mays Landing, NJ 08330.