Patricia Schloder Lamari Woodward

Patricia Schloder Lamari Woodward, 91, of Russ Lane, St. Marys, passed away peacefully at her home with her family at her side on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

She was born January 20, 1935, at the St. Joseph Monastery in St. Marys, PA, the daughter of the late LaVern Sr. and Nellie Fisher Schloder.

Patricia was a 1952 graduate of St. Marys Area High School and continued her education at St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Erie, PA, earning her Registered Nurse in 1955.  She devoted many years to caring for others, working at St. Marys Hospital, Ridgway Hospital, and in a private physician’s office.  Later in her career, she worked as a hospital auditor for American Claims prior to her retirement.  She also worked as a BeautiControl consultant and, at the age of 70, achieved the position of Director.

On May 20, 1956, she married Frank Lamari, Sr. in Johnsonburg, who preceded her in death on March 26, 1973.  Together, they were blessed with seven children.  On November 6, 1981, Patricia married Paul L. Woodward, and they made their home in Vandergrift, PA, where she lived for 38 years.  Following Paul’s passing in 2019, Patricia returned to St. Marys, the community that had shaped her faith and early life.

Patricia had a deep and special devotion to the Blessed Mother and lived her faith through service.  She was an active member of Christ the King Church in Vandergrift and, upon her return to St. Marys, resumed her lifelong connection to St. Mary’s Church.  At both parishes, she served on the Bereavement Committees, offering compassion and comfort to families in their times of loss.  She was also involved in the Elk-Cameron Cursillo Movement, having made her Cursillo at the age of 84.

Patricia lived a full and blessed life, finding her greatest joy in her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were truly her pride and joy, and she also cherished the many nieces and nephews who enriched her life.  She was well known for her many talents and hobbies and was especially famous among family and friends for her homemade apple pies.  She also enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and creating beautiful flower crafts, often sharing her handmade creations with her church and those she loved.

She is survived by her children: Pam Lamari of Boca Raton, FL; Mary Jo (Nick) Brunecz of Sugar Grove, PA; Kim (Tom) Kerchinski of St. Marys, PA; Patrick (Renee) Lamari of Strasburg, CO; Valerie (Steve) Lewis of Boca Raton, FL; and Daniele (Andrew) Vuksic of Deerfield Beach, FL; a step-daughter, Paula (Paul) Heilman of Leechburg, PA; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and her brother, Robert (Diane) Schloder of Ridgway.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her son, Frank Lamari Jr., on May 14, 2021 who passed with a fatal illness of CJD; her brother, LaVern Schloder Jr.; and four sisters, Maxine Wicks, Mary Lou Boni, Arlene Wegemer, and Beth Rupprecht.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday, January 29, at 12:00 p.m., with Fr. Tom Curry officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857, on Wednesday, January 28, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 325 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857, or to the CJD Foundation, 3634 W. Market Street, Unit 110, Akron, OH 44333.