Patricia Lander Ressler passed away peacefully on April 14, 2023, at home following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. Pat was born on August 29, 1957, in Lancaster, and was the daughter of the late Robert H. and Juanita Turnage Lander. She was the beloved wife and high school sweetheart of Jeffrey C. Ressler with whom she shared almost 48 years of marriage. Their first three years of marriage they lived in Germany while Jeff served in the Army. Pat loved to travel and go on adventures and especially loved doing so with her husband. Their favorite thing to do together was snorkel in the Caribbean. They have snorkeled in the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Thomas, St. John, Grand Cayman, and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. They also snorkeled off the Florida Keys. Their adventures included twice serving as part of a sailing crew on old schooners in New England, once out of Camden, Maine and the other in Mystic, CT., a high adventure whale watching cruise on a zodiac boat off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and sailing off Nantucket, Massachusetts. They rode a biplane in Kitty Hawk, NC., and a sea plane down in the Florida Keys, along with several helicopter rides in places such as Niagara Falls and Grand Cayman. She recently started glamping (camping in style) and had numerous trips set up to do so with her husband.
Pat retired in August 2022 from the Office of Admissions at Franklin and Marshall College where she worked for 19 years. Though having never gone to college herself, she helped numerous high school seniors over the years achieve that dream.
Pat also enjoyed the seashore, visiting lighthouses and conquering her fear of heights by climbing to the top. She was extremely interested in genealogy having done extensive family tree research of both her family and her husband Jeff’s family history. Pat was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. When her children were growing up, she was very involved in their schools and athletic programs. She served as PTO President and as the head of the St. Joe CCD program.
Pat was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, but since June 2022 began attending and became a member of St. James Episcopal Church. She enjoyed long distance walking and typically walked 5 miles a day. Usually on the weekends those walks included longer destinations such as walking to Lititz, Strasburg, New Holland, Columbia, Marietta, Safe Harbor, and Sam Louis State Park in York County. Of course, Saturdays always included a walk to Central Market from her house to enjoy an Oola bowl. Her longest walk ever was as recently as October when she walked 27 miles at the Jersey shore from Sea Isle City, NJ and ending in Sunset Beach Cape May.
Along with her husband she is survived by a son Kevin J. Ressler (Sarah), a daughter Dr. Julie R. Lehr (Ryan), grandchildren Johanna Lehr, Maddox Lehr, and Fiona Ressler, a sister Juanita Lander, nephew Daniel Rubinstein (Christy) and niece Sarah Wright (Kristopher). She was proceeded in Death by her parents and sister Roberta J. Lander.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St. James Episcopal Church, 119 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:00 am. A visitation will occur the evening prior, Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602 as well as at the church on Friday from 9:00 am until the time of the service. To view the service virtually, please click the following link: https://www.saintjameslancaster.org/
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to: CJD Foundation at https://cjdfoundation.org/donate, Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/nca/donate or to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601 To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com
Mimi & Bob Newcomer says
So glad we met years ago & became close friends. So many Saturday evenings of church & dinner. Backyard fire pits. Discussing family and life. We will miss her greatly! .
Jacqueline Vickers says
Sympathy Jeff, to you and your family…no words can express how you must feel…we loved Patty and I was always impressed on her walks around the area!
Sorry won’t be able to attend the service . We are currently. In Tennessee….prayers and thoughts are sent from my heart…
Jackie Skethway Vickers
Diane DeBord says
Dear Jeff and family,
Mark and I are so sincerely sorry for the loss of your sweet Patti. Not only was she the most shining example of LIFE, she was beautiful, energetic, incredibly fun and had a smile that would light up any room she entered.
I regret the time WE missed spending more time with you both. How many times did we say “let’s get together?” I’m truly sorry for that.
Please know you are in our thoughts and we know you have a strong family that will stand together, just as Patti would want! I’m sure she was proud of you all and loved you dearly.
Love and sympathy,
Mark and Diane
Clyde R Snyder says
My deepest condolences ,So sorry !
My God help you and family in this hard time !
God bless you !
KAREN Spence LEGIEKO says
I am so very sorry to hear about her passing. Prayers for you Jeff and the family
Mark Sheaffer says
Sue and I are deeply saddened and shocked by her passing. She was a wonderful and generous person and always had a smile on her face and always made you feel like special. Our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Sue and I are keeping you in our thoughts Jeff
Chuck and Julie Colson says
Jeff,
Julie and I are so sorry to hear this news. Please accept our sympathies and prayers during this time and always.
Kathy Turnage McKinney says
Patty, I will miss you, my cousin. You are a light and a love to the Ressler, Lander, and Turnage line of ancestors and descendants. God bless!
Mary Riley says
I am so so sorry for your loss. I am just in total shock . I am speechless . My sincerest condolences to all of you.
Barbara Young says
Jeff,
We send our heartfelt condolences on your loss. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Pat was an amazing woman! Your mother kept me up-to-date on her walking adventures.
Love to all of you,
Tom and Barbie (Meister) Young
Elaine Kump says
Dear Jeff, Kevin and Julie,
I only learned recently of Patti becoming ill and my heart is heavy. She is such a sweet person who loved her family and always had a smile on her face. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Teresa Maser (Terri Horst) says
Hi Jeff. I can’t pick my jaw up off the floor. I am in great de1nial to know that Patty is gone. I am so happy that she was able to do so much while she was here. My deepest sympathy for you and your family. There are not words enough to explain how I feel and what you and your family are dealing with right now. Condolences go out to you and your family, at the very least. May God watch over you and your family as you face the future that was dealt to you.
Ted Fitzgerald says
Jeff,
Patti was such a shining star in my life. I shall miss her bright eyes and warm smile. Bonnie and I send our deepest sympathy and hope for her eternal rest. May her memory bring you and your family peace.
Mr. Fitz
Terry Bracken and Family says
Jeff,Kevin, Julie and Ressler family
The Bracken family send our deepest condolences we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Pat . God bless you all
Terry & Linda Bracken and family
Jody MacKrell says
Julie I was so sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. Only met your parents once but they were such fun. You were blessed to have such a sweet and wonderful woman as your Mother. Please give your Dad my condolences. It’s going to be so hard for him and your family. You will all be in my prayers.
Bob and Peggy Pennypacker says
Dear Jeff and the Ressler Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. We send our deepest condolences to you and the Ressler Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May you find comfort and peace with the beautiful memories you shared together.
Bob and Peggy Pennypacker
Cathy (Brown) Sears says
I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. She was a wonderful mentor when I was a student worker in Admissions at F&M from 2011-2014. Prayers for your family’s strength during this sad time.
Daphne Myers says
I was so very sad to hear of Pat’s passing. God bless her entire family during this time of grief.
Brad Ditzler says
Dear Jeff and family,
So terribly sorry for the passing of your wife.
The happiness and love, you shared always shined bright, when I saw you guys. also in your smiles!
Glad you have so many great memories you’ve shared.
Please accept our condolences, and also too the family on the loss of your Mother.
Love and Blessings,
Brad Ditzler and family.
Joan Schwebel says
Jeff, Kevin and Julie
So sorry your sweet Patti is gone. She was always upbeat and seemed to be happy all the time. Her smile was contagious. She is gone too soon. My prayers are with you and hope the memories will wrap around your grief. God Bless and hold you in the palm of His hands.
Marge Burger says
Heartbroken for you Jeff, Kevin and family and Julie and family. Patty will be sadly missed by all who knew her and loved her. She was so special. Forever in our hearts, peace from our Heavenly Father be with you.
Bonnie Wanner Herr says
Dear Jeff, I was shocked and saddened deeply to tears to read this, this morning. My dear friend from Jr high and high school. May you find strength and peace in time. Blessings,Bonnie
Miriam Moore says
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Pat. May God grant you all His strength and comfort during this difficult time. From a former neighbor on Middlecreek Rd., Miriam Moore
Cindi says
Kevin,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom, she was a very sweet person that always had a smile on her face. Know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless
Cindi Gallagher Smith
David E. Harnish says
Dear Jeff and Family,
We are heartbroken to hear of Patti’s passing. She will always have a special place in the Harnish family. A more gentle and kinder heart would be hard to find. As next-door neighbors to the Lander family we’ve known her for a long time. She was so good to our family and especially to our mother, Ruth, during her long illness. The World will be a bit sadder with the passing of such a Good Soul.
Our condolences,
David & Susan Harnish
MaryAnne Cullen says
Dear Ressler family,
I am so glad I had the opportunity to talk with Patti at St. James. She was so happy to have found such a loving church home. She always had a beautiful smile. May she rest in peace in heaven.
Wes Sides says
Jeff, I am saddened to hear of Patty’s passing and of your loss. Having went to elementary school with both of you but not seeing Patty since then, its interesting to hear words of others describing her the same way I remember Patty as a child …… at I believe Hambright and Reynolds. Reynolds for sure. I wish you strength brother.
Wes Sides
Tony and Bobbi Canestra says
We are so sorry to hear of Patty’s passing. Always thought very highly of her and know how much she loved her family. What a sweet soul. With deepest sympathy and love.
Mark Willard says
Jeff, my greatest sympathy for the passing of Pat. I know you two had a special relationship . Have enjoyed seeing you two Saturday mornings at market and hearing about what was going on in your lives. I hope time allows your heart to heal. Thinking of you, Mark Willard
Ashley Rapp says
Jeff, Kevin and Julie,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I am honored and feel privileged to have known Pat for almost 15 years. She was the sweetest women, she would text me many times throughout the years and I just adored her!
She will be so missed by everyone who knew her.
I think of you all daily, xoxo
-Ashley
Cindy Zittle says
I was saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. We had alot of fun working at Weis Market together, She was a special person. My condolences to you and your family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry & Anna Larson says
Dear Jeff and Family
No words can express how you all feel.
I remember when we lived across the street from Patty and her parents. She used to come over and visit us. Loved her smile. What a great spirit she is.
She will be with you in spirit always. You will feel her presence.
Love & Light
Larry & Anna Larson
Lisa Rollin says
I am so sorry for your loss, Jeff. Patty was a lovely person, and it’s heartbreaking that she was taken from your family so soon. The video tribute posted here is evidence of how much Patty loved and was loved and a life well-lived. You are in my thoughts.
Teresa M. Maser says
Such a beautiful tribute to Patti and her loved ones.
Mary Beth Potts Hambleton says
Jeff and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Did not know you really well but you were always pleasant and kind. May the lord help guide you through your grief.
Karen Lavery says
Jeff, I am so sorry to her about Pat’s passing. Please know I am thinking of you and will keep you and your family in my prayers. This is such shocking news. Even though I have not been in touch with you and Pat, I remember her dearly from McCaskey. Again, Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Susan Losee says
Dear Jeff and family,
I’m truly sorry for your loss. I didn’t know her but i know Pat was a wonderful person, ….wife, mother and grandmother. She will live on in your cherished memories.
May peace be in your hearts.
Mary Susan
Bob & Gay Williams says
Jeff, We just learned of Pat’s passing. Our sincere sympathy to you and the family. I enjoyed working with Pat at Lancaster Catholic and at F&M. Will never forget that beautiful smile. May she rest in peace and may all of your wonderful memories of her bring a smile to your face. We will remember Pat in our prayers.
Patricia Jones (Miss Dougherty) says
Dear Julie and Kevin,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She and your father were two of my favorite parents who would come to conferences when you were students at Wheatland. Your mother had a spirited personality and such a warm smile. It was so obvious that you both brought so much joy to her life.
You and your father are in my prayers.