Patricia Gunther

Patricia A. (Stoddard) Gunther, age 83, passed away Thursday, July 18th at Greenfield Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. She was born October 31, 1940 in Erie, a daughter of the late Guy and Ruth (May) Stoddard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis Stoddard.

Pat was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served on many committees and boards to support the mission and membership of her beloved church family. Throughout the years she volunteered for several of the church's charities including a food pantry, clothes closet, soup kitchen, shelter services, and even a local food co-op in the 1970's. Her active years spent in the service of her faith were happy ones.

She was also a member of the Alpha Nu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for more than 25 years, finding here, as well as in church, that the bonds of friendship can last an entire lifetime and across many miles.

The only thing that surpassed her love of being a mom and grandmother, was her love of books. Histories, mysteries, biographies - she read them all and in so doing became a lifelong student. Her love of books also made her a frequent and diligent shopper at used book sales.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, George A. Gunther with whom she had many adventures, traveling and touring throughout the United States and once to Ireland. They operated several small businesses through the years for which Pat managed the accounting, banking and occasionally working a drill press when needed. In recent years, they enjoyed class reunions, playing cards, and taking in local concerts with some of their Academy High School classmates.

She is further survived by a daughter, Marti Sawyer (Jim); son, Greg Gunther (Kortney); her beloved granddaughter, Grace Gunther; and brother, Gilbert "Bud" Stoddard (Loretta); as well as many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Though she cared for so many during her life in a myriad of ways, it was strange, she said, to have others caring for her in the last few weeks of her life. We appreciate the respect and gentle care Pat received from the doctors, nurses, and aides of UPMC Hamot and the dedicated staff of Greenfield Healthcare.

It is no little thing to move on from this world to the next but she did so with grace, acceptance, and family by her side. We keep with us the many things she taught us lovingly over the years including: always wear a hat, vote, go to the dentist, the best strawberries are picked early in the morning, the universe is full of many unknown and fascinating energies, it is possible to have friends for a lifetime.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday July 25th at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and may attend a funeral Service on Friday, July 26th at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 643 West 17th Street, at 10 a.m.

Memorials may be made to Community Shelter Services, 655 West 16th Street, Erie, PA 16502.