Patricia von Merkatz

Patricia von Merkatz, 81, passed away peacefully, reunited with her beloved husband, Peter, who predeceased her in 2022.

Patricia was born in Yonkers, New York, on July 24, 1944, to Frank and Anna (née Penik) Hayes. She grew up in the family home where she would spend her entire life, surrounded by cherished memories. A proud 1962 graduate of Charles E. Gorton High School, Pat was active both academically and socially before continuing her education at Rider College.

After college, Pat began working at Ciba-Geigy, where she met the love of her life, Peter von Merkatz. The two were married in 1966 at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Yonkers and shared a devoted marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering partnership.

In their early years together, Pete and Pat embraced every adventure, traveling, camping, and making lasting memories with their close-knit circle of lifelong friends. Their greatest joy, however, was building their family. They welcomed their daughter, Kirsten, in 1971, followed a few years later by their son, Eric.

Although Pat enjoyed a successful career in office management, her greatest calling was being a wife and mother. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and was a constant presence at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic School, where her children attended. Whether serving as a Class Mother, chaperoning countless school trips, or leading the St. Bart’s Girl Scout troops for many years, Pat gave generously of her time and heart. She organized camping trips, Scout events, and unforgettable experiences for her small Troop. Fiercely protective and endlessly encouraging, she made certain that “her girls” had every opportunity to learn, grow, and be recognized for their accomplishments.

Pat was also the heart behind countless family vacations throughout the 1970s and 1980s, planning beach trips and family adventures with remarkable attention to detail. Equally special were summers spent at the family’s beloved property in Amenia, New York. There, Pat found some of her greatest happiness—floating peacefully in the lake in her chair, a glass of wine in hand, surrounded by dear friends and family. Evenings were filled with music, laughter, singing around the campfire, and dancing under the stars, creating memories that those fortunate enough to share them will treasure forever. After raising their family, Pete and Pat spent many years cruising around the Americas and visiting all the places on their bucket list.

Pat’s greatest gift was her dedication and determination to care for her family and friends. The people she chose to be in her life were much more than Friends, they were Family.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Kirsten Neczesny (Jason), and her son, Eric. She will also be deeply missed by her “bonus daughter,” Stephanie Rehn, and her bonus granddaughters, Jacquellen and Hayden Dale, who affectionately knew Pete and Pat as the “Pop Pops.”

In addition to her family, Pat leaves behind many lifelong friends who were family in every way that mattered. Her kindness, strength, unwavering devotion to those she loved will be remembered always.

Her life was one well lived, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.