Patricia Dietrich, 84, of Ocean Township passed away at home surrounded by her loving family Thursday, January 14th.

Patricia was born in Long Branch to Frederick and Genevieve Wood. She studied for her undergraduate degree in education at what is now The College of New Jersey, and earned her master’s degree from Fairfield University in Connecticut. She prided herself on being an outstanding educator at Ramapo Central High School, where her positive influence reached many generations. She thoroughly enjoyed bird watching, especially spying on her favorite, the belted kingfisher. She loved to catch and eat blue claw crabs from the Shrewsbury river.  She was fond of reading books of all kinds as well as listening to classical music. She delighted in backyard picnics with her family. She adored her 1988 cirrus blue convertible BMW that she drove for over 30 years, and a good ‘ole pair of comfortable jeans. She and Robert, her husband of 39 years, loved to travel to the Caribbean Islands, until they found a small paradise of their own in Hutchinson Island, FL for winter get aways.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband, Robert; her children Karen Conter & husband Brian of Howell, NJ and Rob Evers & wife Tina of Boxborough, MA; her step children Ward Dietrich & wife Yuko of Port Washington, NY; Grant Dietrich & wife Michele of Youngsville, NC and Greta Colombi & husband Matteo of Rockville, MD; and her grandchildren Scott, William, Jessica, Jonathan, Genevieve, Jackson, Alex, Ben, Sam, Nick, Joe, Luca & Daniela.

With respect to the family’s wishes, Patricia will be privately cremated, and services will be held at a later date. If you would like to send a message of condolence, please visit her tribute page at www.woolleyboglioli.com.