Pat Gerne

Patricia (Pat) Gerne, 90 years old, passed away surrounded by her family on August 2nd.  

Pat was born to William and Mildred Griffin in Queens, NY. After graduating early from High School, she attended St. Vincent's School of Nursing in NYC where she earned her RN and then worked in their Emergency Department. 

Pat met the love of her life, Tim, on a blind date. He knew immediately that SHE was the one. After marrying her beloved husband, she became a full-time super mom having 9 children in 10 years. Pat and Tim celebrated the arrival of number 10 several years later. Her calm demeanor and the skills she learned in the ER came in handy while raising her children. 

After 17 years of being a full-time mom, she went back to work part time as a nurse at Straight & Narrow/Mount Carmel Guild, Paterson NJ. Pat spent her time there helping people with substance abuse disorders.  To better serve her clients, Pat went on to further her education and became a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC). She had an extensive background in the field of addiction treatment and prevention. Pat continued her work as a counselor at the ARTS and Center for Family Resources working with families in Head Start. 

Pat and Tim were a loving and devoted team for 46 years allowing them to accomplish remarkable things. The two co-authored two books, Substance Abuse Prevention Activities for Elementary Children and Substance Abuse Prevention Activities for Secondary Students Grades 7-12. They presented many in-service workshops on prevention and resilience nationally. They also spearheaded the Peer Leadership camp at William Paterson College.

Pat was an active volunteer.  She worked at the Governor’s Council with Christy Todd Whitman, Year of the Resilient Child and volunteered for organizations including BirthRight, Pre-cana, Fresh Air Fund, and she was a board member for Wayne Counseling and Homecare Options. 

Pat was a curious, intelligent, and very creative person. She was an optimist who loved life and lived a life of gratitude. Pat was a lifelong learner and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a strong woman who was ahead of her time.  She practiced Transcendental Meditation for 50 years and enrolled her entire family in meditation classes too.  She was a great listener who stopped everything to give her full attention to whoever needed it.  Pat made motherhood look easy.   She was a calming influence and would always give sound advice.  She was the go-to person for guidance in almost any situation. She was a gifted writer and editor. Pat edited more essays and academic papers than most professors.  

Pat was a deeply Spiritual and compassionate woman. Her Spirituality was ever present throughout her home.  There were always quotes of inspiration around the house from Mother Theresa to Erma Bombeck.  She and Tim were members of Our Lady of the Valley and Immaculate Heart of Mary attending daily mass. In addition to daily mass, the two were members of IHM’s “Oatmeal Club”. She most recently attended remote Mass at Our Lady of Consolation. 

Her home was always filled with love, joy, and lots of activity. Gathering around the table was a special time to unwind and discuss the day with family (and friends).  Hospitality was paramount, there was always room for one more, including a stray animal or two. Pat had a nurturing spirit. She loved and was like a surrogate mother to many of her children’s friends. Every holiday and birthday was cause for celebration. Her heart was BIG. She taught her children to love God and each other, to embrace others who are different, to be tolerant, understanding, forgiving and to lean in with love.  

The best gift she gave her children was EACH OTHER and she left an awesome legacy of a successful loving marriage.

She will be missed greatly, but her spirit and ‘pearls of wisdom’ will live on through her children, grandchildren, and those who loved her. 

Predeceased by her beloved husband, Timothy A. Gerne, Pat and Tim were blessed with 10 children Mary (Dennis) Rosati, Tim (Brandy) Gerne, Jean Gerne (Scott Collins), Eileen (Paul) Ciavarella, Kathy (Bruce) Fieggen, Margaret (Tim) Peschel, Donna (Jeff) Huber, Dan (Cheryl) Gerne, Rosemary (Billy) Acampora, and Michael (Lisa) Gerne, 34 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren  and her loving caregiver Anjing Stratton.

For those who like to view the livestream of the memorial mass, please click the link below: 

https://youtube.com/live/5ujMi8BMbLQ?feature=share