Patricia Ulmer's Obituary
Patricia Ulmer, a devoted mother, educator, and faithful friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith. Born on April 24, 1937, in Queens, New York, Patricia was the daughter of Eugene Froehling Sr. and Anne Wiedeman. She was the eldest of two children and shared a special bond with her brother, Eugene Froehling Jr.
Raised in Pleasant Valley, New York, Patricia attended Arlington High School before earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Geneseo State College. She dedicated her professional life to serving children as a teacher and speech therapist in the Poughkeepsie Public School District, where she worked for twenty years before retiring in 1978.
On August 20, 1960, Patricia married the love of her life, Gerald Ulmer, at St. Stanislaus Church in Pleasant Valley. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and commitment. Gerald preceded her in death in 1985. Patricia often considered two of the most important moments of her life to be her marriage and the birth of her son, Mark.
Patricia spent much of her life in New York, residing in Pleasant Valley and Poughkeepsie. In 2001, she relocated to Virginia, where she made her home for more than two decades. In 2023, she moved to Largo, Florida, to be closer to family.
Following her retirement, Patricia embraced life's adventures through travel, real estate sales, and cherished visits with family. She enjoyed reading, gardening, shopping, and exploring new places. She was a devoted Catholic whose faith guided her throughout her life and a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan who cheered for her team through every season. Her favorite songs, "Honey" by Bobby Goldsboro and "My Way" by Frank Sinatra, reflected both her sentimental nature and her independent spirit.
Patricia will be remembered as stubborn when conviction was needed, giving to those around her, loyal to family and friends, loving in all she did, and generous with both her time and heart. She treasured the friendships she shared with special friends including Claudia Selfidge and Sandy Martin.
Patricia is survived by her beloved son, Mark Ulmer, and his wife, Sandy, of Belleair, Florida; her cherished grandchildren, Jamie Graff of Clearwater, Florida, and Christopher Graff of Palm Harbor, Florida; along with extended family members and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness and love.
Patricia's memory will live on in the lives she touched as a teacher, the family she loved so deeply, and the many friends who were blessed by her steadfast faith and generous spirit. Her family invites all who knew and loved her to celebrate a life well-lived with gratitude, prayer, and joyful remembrance.
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