Patricia D. Lavender

Patricia “Patty” (Klaube) Lavender, 66, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous multi-year battle with cancer. Born in Jersey City and raised in Guttenberg, NJ, Patty was a proud graduate of North Bergen High School, where she met the love of her life, John Lavender. High school sweethearts from the very beginning, Patty and John built a beautiful life together, marrying in 1985 and settling in Clifton to raise their family.

Patty was the devoted mother of Nicole and Nicholas Lavender, and cherished mother-in-law to Jaimie (Brogan) Lavender. She had a deep affection for her grand dog, Baja, whose companionship meant so much to her. Patty recently celebrated one of the greatest joys of her life with the arrival of her grandson, Nathan, who quickly became the light of her world.

In 2022, Patty completed an extraordinary personal journey: walking over 500 miles across France and Spain on the Camino de Santiago in memory of her lifelong friend, Gloria. This accomplishment was a testament to her dedication, courage, and adventurous spirit.

For 47 years, Patty—affectionately known at work as “Miss Patty”—devoted her heart to the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton’s Early Childhood Department. Working alongside her best friend, Mary Jo Anzaldi-Foster, she touched the lives of thousands of young children and their families. She was a staple of the community, known for her warmth, playful spirit, and infectious sense of humor. Miss Patty’s impact on the Clifton community is vast and enduring.

As the backbone of her family, Patty hosted weekly dinners and large holiday gatherings that brought generations together. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, John; her children, Nicole and Nicholas; her daughter-in-law, Jaimie; her grandson, Nathan; her siblings, Mary (Mike) Aiello, Helen (Dave) Wall, and Ted (Sue) Klaube; and countless nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Mary (née Schisano) and John Klaube, and her nephew, Michael Wall.

Patty met life’s challenges with her trademark humor, light-heartedness, and unwavering positivity. Even throughout her illness, she continued to lift the spirits of those around her, reminding everyone of the power of resilience, love, and laughter. Though her loss is immeasurable, her spirit endures through every life she touched and every memory she leaves behind.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 pm, at Marrocco Memorial Chapel, 470 Colfax Avenue, Clifton. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am on Friday, December 12, 2025, at St. Paul R.C. Church, 124 Union Avenue, Clifton.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Clifton Education Foundation in Patty’s memory, honoring her lifelong devotion to the children of the community.