Patricia Kurdyla, 86, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury, Oceanport, and most recently of Middletown, NJ, passed away September 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Plainfield, NJ on August 31, 1940, to the late Janice and Phillip Keiper.
Patti, as she was known to everyone, is survived by her husband of 59 years, Ted; her daughter Amy and son-in-law Jonathan Uroskie of Beverly, MA; her son Phillip and daughter-in-law Mary Alice Kurdyla of Shrewsbury, NJ; her sister Joyce Clark; her brother Doug Keiper and his wife Ida Keiper; and her brother-in-law Gary Kurdyla and his wife Linda. Patti was the proud and loving grandmother of seven grandchildren, Amanda, Kathryn, Thomas, Margot, Teddy, Phillip, and Michael, and cherished her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews as well.
Patti's home was always open, and always full. Whether it was a family celebration, a club meeting, or just an ordinary afternoon, her door welcomed everyone in. She had a rare gift for bringing people together in the comfort of her home. She wasn't one to sit on the sidelines of an idea; if something needed doing for her community, she was often the one who helped make it happen. She was, above all, a listener, the kind of person people sought out because she made space for them, and made them feel heard.
That same warmth extended to everything she loved most, especially her children and grandchildren, and her summers at the beach, where she'd settle into the sand, close her eyes to the sun, and simply be present among the people around her. Wherever she was, Patti was drawn to connection, to the people nearby, and to the moment itself.
Patti also had an extraordinary eye, for an instant, a face, a piece of light. A lifelong photographer, she carried her camera to weddings, ball games, and everyday gatherings alike, and had the film developed almost before the moment had finished happening. She would hand-deliver the photo albums herself, often within days, so that the people she loved could hold onto a memory before it even had time to fade. It was, in its own era, an immediate and generous gift, and it was entirely Patti.
Patti was a graduate of Red Bank High School and received a bachelor's degree in Spanish with a minor in Math from Grove City College. She taught for many years at Raritan High School, where she met the love of her life, Ted. She was also an integral part of building community around her: a dedicated and vibrant member of the Ranney School for over 30 years, where she volunteered, helped found the parents' association, and served as its first female member of the board of trustees. Patti was active in Shrewsbury throughout her life as a member of The Presbyterian Church, the Garden Club, the Environmental Council, and as a trustee of the Shrewsbury Historic Society.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 19th at 10:00 AM at The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury, 352 Sycamore Ave, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation made in Patricia Kurdyla's memory to the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury Memorial Fund, at the address above. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank, NJ has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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