Patricia Louise Ritter, 69, of Scranton, died on Nov. 3 at Geisinger Community Medical Center after a hard-fought battle with cancer, wrapped in the boundless love of her family.
Daughter of the late John and Louise (Frye) Hoban, Patricia was born in Scranton on June 14, 1954, and graduated from West Scranton Central Catholic High School ('72). Throughout her life, she loved to love people, and as a receptionist for many years, she easily captured the love of those around her in return. She was most recently employed by KidsPeace Foster Care and Family Services from 2002 until her retirement in 2020, always winning the admiration of her coworkers for her kindness, diligence and organization.
Through the course of her life, Patricia was known by many names - Weezie and Patty, among others - but her most treasured name was "Mommom," a title affectionately given to her by her grandchildren. With her heartwarming smile, gentle voice and kind heart, she possessed an innate ability to make everyone she met feel like the most important person in the world. She filled her home with love and laughter to anyone who entered it, and her favorite pastimes were always done in the company of others, whether playing pinochle with her sisters, traveling to the beach with her children or taking her grandchildren on little adventures every time they visited her. Even when alone, she always found ways to make her own fun - she would frequently blast the music of George Harrison and Van Morrison throughout her home, and loved taking naps so frequently that they became an art form.
In addition to her parents, Patricia is preceded in death by her husband of 23 years, Jeffrey Ritter; her son, Jason Heffron; and her sister, Mary Mullen. Although they were no longer physically present in her life, their memory lived on in her heart, shaping her passion to live each day to its fullest.
She is survived by two sons, Michael (Jennifer) Heffron and Christopher Ritter; two grandchildren, Alyssa and Henry Heffron; two sisters, Ann Marie Kelly and Eileen Harris; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She enriched their lives with her constancy and warmth, and taught them by example how to be loving, compassionate and resilient.
Although her passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply, those who remain are grateful for the life of a woman who tenaciously fought for her life in the face of remarkable adversity with grace, kindness and love.
A memorial service to celebrate Patricia's life will be held on Friday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church, 1403 Jackson St., Scranton. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Patricia's name can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087.
Arrangements are under the care of Neil W. Regan Funeral Home, 1900 Pittston Ave., Scranton. Please visit the funeral home's website to email a condolence.