Patty was born on February 15, 1948, in Hanover, PA, to parents, Richard and Mae Kopp. She spent her early years in Lancaster, PA, but returned to Hanover every weekend to visit her beloved Grandma Kopp and Aunt Ruth and Uncle Joe. Patty graduated from Penn Manor High School, Millersville, PA, in 1966 and later attended Millersville State College where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She went on to establish a rewarding career as an elementary school teacher and shaped the lives of countless children across multiple states and a half dozen public and private schools before finally retiring at the age of 63. Many of her students, now adults, remember her fondly and tout her as one of their favorite teachers.
Patty was passionate for the arts and enjoyed acting in local community theater where she met her husband Norm, while both participated in a Langhorne Players production of “The Desperate Hours” in Bucks County, PA. She continued to bring her love of theater into her career, leading the Drama department at Washington Crossing Christian School and directing several high quality productions and musical performances over several years. When she relocated to Maryland, Patty continued her Christian Drama productions at Grace Lutheran School, La Plata, MD. Patty also enjoyed the practical beauty of lighthouses and the subtle majesty of horses, both of which she often experienced on summer trips to Assateague, VA, with her family. Traditional holiday celebrations, highlighting the “Three Fs” – Food, Family, and Fun – were huge in Patty’s life – particularly, for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter – and she proudly passed those traditions down to her children and their families. Patty loved her family and cherished all of her children, humans and dogs alike. More than anything, Patty loved the Lord and glorified Him in everything she did. She looked forward to being in Heaven with Jesus and she has happily achieved that goal.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Mae Kopp.
Patty is survived by her husband Norm Ostroff, her sister Barbara Jordan and husband Rich Jordan, her four sons and their wives - Eric and Heather Keller, Christopher and Kate Ostroff, Bret (step-son) and Nadya Ostroff, and Michael (step-son) and Rachael Ostroff, and nine grandchildren - Isaac, Abraham, Malachi, Lucy, Genevieve, Julia, Cecilia, Lev, and Damian. Finally, she is survived by her loving, four-legged canine child, Willie.
Patty’s desire to be cremated will be honored and her ashes will be buried in Lititz Church of the Brethren’s Memorial Garden, Lititz, PA on January 9, 2022 at 12:00pm. In addition, a Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at Patty’s church, Washington Crossing United Methodist Church (“The Crossing”), Washington Crossing, PA on January 10, 2022 at 11:00am.
Patty was a strong supporter of Israel. So, memorial contributions may be made to any charity also supporting Israel, such as Vision for Israel, Jewish Voice Ministries International, or International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wrgrantfuneralhome.com for the Ostroff family.
