Sadly, our dear mother, Patricia M. Rankl, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024, at the age of 94. It is said that "long life is gained through a righteous life" and Pat was the proof. She knew she was blessed and she worked hard at her longevity. She was a survivor, a remarkable trait that we all admired, and her family is so proud of her. Patricia lived a life marked by compassion, grace, and resilience.

Pat was born January 3, 1930, to John and Helen McAllaster of Jersey City, New Jersey. The family moved to Nutley, N.J., where Pat spent her youth and graduated from Nutley High School. She spent most of her adult life in Matawan, N.J., where she raised her three children and was employed as a payroll administrator for the town of Aberdeen. She enjoyed frequent beach and ski trips with her family, visiting Nevada to see her son and his family, traveling to Europe, and playing cards and dominos with her Matawan friends. She was able to enjoy her grandchildren and great-grandchildren daily and her love and support shaped their lives in so many positive ways.  Pat was an avid reader, skilled at crossword puzzles of all sorts, and she loved long walks with her beautiful golden retrievers.

Pat is survived by: her son James Rankl and wife Susan, in Carson City, NV; her daughter Laura O'Reilly and husband Tom, in Calabash, N.C.; and her grandchildren Jackie De Frias and husband Gabriel, in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Katie Ferraro and husband Cody, in Calabash, N.C., Thomas O'Reilly and fiancée Jillian Denney, in Calabash, N.C.; and Abby Rankl in New Zealand. She is also survived by her great-granddaughters: Penelope, Fallon and Lucia. Pat is predeceased by her sister Phyllis Franciso, son Joseph Rankl, and granddaughter Elizabeth Rankl.

Her family will remember her guidance and help with rearing the kids, and her delicious meals. She was a gourmet cook. Pat was a stylish and classy woman who defied age, as well as a natural beauty who was so giving of her time and love. She was a sweet warm lady who was young at heart - a lady we all loved and admired. We will cherish her memory and follow her example. Her legacy will live on through us.

Rest in peace, dear Patricia. Your light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts and you will live on in our memories.

A mass will be held in her honor for friends and family at St Brendan's Catholic Church in Shallotte, N.C., at 10:00 a.m. on January 12, 2024.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com.