Obituary of Patricia C. Lauber

Patricia C. Lauber

December 26, 1933 – December 30, 2018

Patricia “Pat” Lauber, age 85, of Basking Ridge, NJ was welcomed home by her Lord on December 30, 2018 after a 2 ½ year battle with ALS.

Pat was predeceased by her loving husband Alan, whom she married after reuniting with him at their 25th High School Reunion. She is survived by her son Park Smith, Jr. and his wife Terry Smith; her daughter Patty Smith White and her husband Jim White; her four grandchildren, Park III (Julie), Blaire (Will), James and Laura (Kyle); and her two great grandchildren, Corinne and Park IV.

Raised in Maplewood, NJ, Pat graduated from Columbia High School. An accomplished vocalist, she sang frequently as a soloist at weddings and various social events, was active in community theatre and had a strong love and talent for singing and performing. She was captivating and inspirational! It was at one of these events that Pat was asked to represent her home town of Maplewood in the Miss Essex County Pageant. She accepted, as she “thought it sounded like fun.” She won and from there competed and won the Miss New Jersey Pageant. The Miss America Pageant was next, and as a result of her gentle and warm spirit as she represented New Jersey in the Pageant, she was awarded the title of Miss Congeniality - not a surprise to anyone who knew Pat. She was also a runner up to Miss America in 1954.

Simultaneous with her pageantry accomplishments, Pat had just completed her freshman year of college, had married and birthed two children: Park and Patty. She went on to raise her children as a single mom in Short Hills, NJ. Pat returned to college and completed her degrees in Education at Seton Hall University.  She taught second and third grades at The Short Hills School, and later at the Glenwood School in the Millburn-Short Hills school system, and retired after a long and fulfilling career.

At the forefront of Pat’s heart was her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus. Pat was a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) leader where she enjoyed learning and helping others learn the wonderful truths of the Scriptures. Pat’s family meant everything to her. She cared for her family and friends with deep passion, care and a fierce love. Her favorite memories revolved around having her home filled with those dear family and friends. She was a generous host and always made everyone feel special and completely welcomed.

Cape Cod was always a special place for Pat and growing up, she spent her summers in Falmouth on the Cape where she had extended family. Every year, she shared very special trips to the Cape with her four grandchildren. Pat and her husband Al loved growing beautiful roses. She also loved needlework and was an excellent knitter. Her all-time-favorite-movie was The Sound of Music, and she would often be heard singing the songs to this musical. The joy in her voice was unmistakable. She is now singing with full joy as she joins the hosts of heaven in a full chorus of praise to her Lord.

Following the service, friends and family are invited to gather for refreshments and supper. Address will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, Pat’s wishes were for donations to be made to “Bible Study Fellowship, Class 784.”  Please visit BSFInternational.org.  Click on the “GIVE” button. Please specify that the gift is to go to Class # 784 at Stonecrest Church in Warren, NJ.