Patricia (Patti) Ann Miller Pfander, 78 of Wooster, Ohio, passed away on November 21, 2025.
Patti was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, but primarily grew up in Baldwin, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh. After graduating from Baldwin High School, she attended The Pennsylvania State University, graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in English. She also received her Master of Arts in Teaching: Whole Child Education degree from The University of Maine, Brunswick.
Patti was a caring, thoughtful and generous person, beloved by her family as well as by her many friends and her bevy of students. She spent nearly three decades teaching English and Reading to high school students with special needs, primarily at Holy Name High School in Parma Hts., Ohio. She also tutored students who were battling severe illnesses. In addition to her teaching career, she had a love of nature, travelling, music, and education. She was a member of various church congregations and choirs throughout her life.
Patti is preceded in death by her parents William Otto and Clara Miller, half-brother Jerry Miller, and half-sister JoAnn Peterson. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, James J. Pfander of Wooster, Ohio; her sister, Janet L. Miller, of Columbus, OH; her son, Kit Newell (Roxanne Jankey) of Avon Lake, OH; her daughter, Keri Newell, of Columbus, OH; her stepsons, Joe Pfander (Katrina) of Coshocton, OH, and Jim Pfander (Page) of Fairlawn, OH; and her dear grandchildren, Olivia, Kade, Ella, and Demi.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please support your local Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Care in honor of Patti, or of anyone you wish to name who has battled this devastating disease or needed Hospice services.
Services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Oak Chapel United Methodist Church, 4203 W. Old Lincoln Way, Wooster, OH 44691. The family will welcome guests at 11:00 a.m., with the memorial service following at 12:00 p.m. A light lunch will be served following the service. The service will also be recorded and available by visiting the Oak Chapel website at oakchapelumc.com
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Dear Janet and family,
I know Patti was such an important part of your life. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that you find comfort in your many wonderful memories,
Mary and Maribel
Jim & family, remembering Patti’s hugs & sweet ways, and keeping you in my thoughts & prayers…
Patti was a wonderful close friend of mine for many years. She will be an angel welcomed into heaven. God Bless her soul as she now rests in peace. She was very loved and a blessing to many!
Jim, Keri, Janet and family, I’m so sorry for this tremendous loss. Patti was such a sweet soul, that was evident from the very first time I met her. It was such an honor to be one of her caretakers. Praying for all of you during this difficult time.
To Patti’s Family-
Although I never got the pleasure of meeting Patti, I was fortunate to meet Jim through ALZ support groups. Needless to say, Jim became a mentor, friend & savior to me. This I know… the love between the two of them will always remain! Sending strength to Jim… and my deepest sympathies to all.