Patricia Dobson

Patricia D. Dobson, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, lived her life with unstoppable tenacity, an adventurous spirit, and a fierce love of learning that inspired everyone around her. Known for her warmth and her sheer grit, Pat approached every challenge with determination, curiosity, and a dash of irreverent fortitude that made her unforgettable.
Born on November 10, 1938, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Pat grew up in Rahway before building her life in Elizabeth, Roselle, and Watchung. Guided by the resilience and values of her parents, Casper and Pauline Dietz, Pat showed from a young age that she was never one to back down from difficulties or let circumstances define her path.
Pat's educational journey was a testament to her passion for growth. She graduated from Rahway High School, earned her bachelor's from the College of St. Elizabeth in 1960, and later pursued a Master's Degree in Education at The College of New Jersey in 1988. She then attended dozens of university courses and workshops to learn more. Her commitment to learning was lifelong, and she always encouraged curiosity, believing that questions were just as valuable as answers.
As an educator, Pat held her students to a high standard, expecting them to put forth effort, think deeply, and embrace the challenge that comes with true learning. Her classrooms-whether at St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, St. Joseph's School, Queen of Peace High School, or Bernards Township School-were places of rigorous inquiry and joyful exploration. She believed in her students. Pat pushed them to go beyond what they thought possible, never settling for mediocrity. She was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1995 under the NJ Governor's Teacher Recognition Program, but those who studied with her know that her greatest reward came in inspiring every young mind she encountered.
After losing her husband, Jim, in 1975, Pat demonstrated extraordinary tenacity by raising her four beloved children on her own-Cathi Dobson Kattermann, Matthew Dobson, Jay Dobson, and Annie Dobson Mitchell. She built a family legacy of integrity, adventure, and love. She loved their spouses, Rick Kattermann, Gopa Dobson and Kirk Mitchell. Pat's resilience was the bedrock upon which her family flourished, and her grandchildren, Jennifer Budd (Shawn), Samantha Van Orden, Katy Van Orden, Andrew Dobson, Ryan Dobson, Grace Mitchell, James Mitchell, Lydia Mitchell, and Devan Dobson, knew her as the anchor in every storm.
Pat's energy fueled a remarkable devotion to service. She volunteered abundantly-with her loyal pet therapy dogs-at Trinitas Hospital, Center for Hope Hospice, the Watchung Hills Rescue Squad, and Matheny Medical and Educational Center. She was not just present; she was engaged, determined to give her all and to lift the spirits of those in the hardest moments. Her love for animals, especially her service dogs Inker, Ribbon, Troy, and Daisy, was as boundless as her empathy for others.
A proud Roman Catholic and a member of St. Mary Stony Hill, Pat found strength in faith and the courage to act. Guided by compassion, she met adversity not with resignation, but with resolve and courage, always seeking out the adventure in life and inviting others to do the same.
Her sense of adventure was legendary-Pat traveled the globe, exploring China, Vietnam, Thailand, Costa Rica, Mexico, Poland, France, Germany, Spain, England, New Zealand, Kenya, Egypt, Iceland, Turkey, the Galapagos Islands, and Greece. Every journey was an opportunity to learn, connect, and return transformed, eager to share new knowledge and stories with friends and family. During these adventures, her notorious curiosity led her even to skydiving and scuba diving.
Pat's legacy is one of relentless tenacity, unbridled curiosity, and devotion to making each person's life richer and more meaningful. Her memory endures in every child she challenged, every heart she comforted, and every corner of the world she explored. To know Pat was to witness Christ-centered strength in action-a spirit undimmed by hardship, undaunted in pursuit of adventure, and forever championing the transformative power of learning.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Matheny Medical and Educational Center [LINK] or Cure JM Foundation [LINK]. ****LIVE-STREAM FUNERAL MASS [LINK]****