Patricia Anne Cz-Stafford

February 6, 1950 ~ February 4, 2025
Patricia Anne Cz-Stafford passed away, February 4, 2025. She was born February 6, 1950 in Geneva, OH, daughter of Alfred Frank Cz and Margaret Anne (Kalnasy). Patty grew up on the family farm on Dock Road in Madison and graduated from Madison High School in 1968. Pat married the love of her life, Arthur Charles Stafford on December 20, 1991, at Immaculate Conception Church, Madison, OH.
Pat was employed as a Second Grade Teacher at Redbird Elementary School in Madison, OH for thirty years. A 1971 graduate of Ohio State University and a Martha Holden Jennings scholar, Pat was cited in “Whose Who among America’s Teachers” in 2002. Pat and Art traveled to many places experiencing the Caribbean Islands, Europe, The Holy Land and Egypt. Together they volunteered at the Madison Food Center, Pat as co-director. They were supporters of Rabbit Run Community Theater and the Madison Historical Society. Pat enjoyed traveling with her husband, cooking and jigsaw puzzles, many of which were displayed on the walls of their 50’s and 60’s room. Pat and Art were proud to call themselves “Del’s Folks” after their room was featured on NBC’s Channel 3 by TV personality and news reporter Del Donahoo.
Pat is survived by her husband; sisters, Linda Mantell and Mary (Jeff) Ford; niece, Michelle (Andrew) Bailey; nephews, Kevin Ford, Stephen (Maura) Mantell and Matthew Mantell; and grand-nieces Dagne and Della Mantell. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Leigh Mantell.
In lieu of flowers, Art requests that donations be sent either to the Madison Food Center, Madison Historical Society, Rabbit Run Theater, or Holy Cat Whiskers.
Friends will be received from 4-6 pm on Friday, February 21st at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison. Funeral Mass will be 11 am on Feb. 22nd at Immaculate Conception Church in Madison. Online Obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com
Services
Visitation: Friday, February 21, 2025 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Behm Family Funeral Homes - Madison
26 River Street,
Madison, OH 44057
(440) 428-4401
Funeral Service: Saturday, February 22, 2025 11:00 am
Immaculate Conception Church
2846 Hubbard Road
Madison, OH 44057
440-428-4401
One of the greatest joys of my life was calling you “friend”. Until I see you again on the other side, I will continue loving you every day. ~m
I need to add a P.S. To those of you who don’t know this endearing story, I met Patty when I first moved to Madison. School was already in full swing being six weeks into fifth grade. I had moved to a new town, new family, new faces everywhere. Why I was sent to school without paper and pencils I will never know. I was placed in the second to the last seat in the middle of Miss Balch’s classroom at 11:30 in the morning. Being disruptive and self-conscious, here I am without school supplies! Miss Balch asked Patty if she would share pencil and paper with me. That smile! I felt my heart soften as I settled into my new school! Go Blue Streaks! ~m
My deepest condolences to the family and I pray for God‘s comfort, love and peace to be with each of you. I knew Pat when we were just kids. Having grown-up next to Helen and Al Marco, we were played together each time Pat and Mary visited their aunt and uncle. Pat was a few years older so sometimes she just made sure we stayed out of trouble. Ha ha. She was so sweet and kind. We reconnected once I started volunteering at the Madison food center and I really enjoyed our conversations of the good old days. I was sad when she had to step down due to health problems. Pat was definitely an inspiration to those she knew. I am so very sorry for your loss. 🙏🙏🙏
Your dear Patty could light up a room with her smile and had a heart of gold. It was a gift that both she and my mother-in-law were in rehab together that I had the opportunity to spend time with her last year. Even while in rehab, Patty was doing for others and regularly would take time to speak with my mother-in-law and with others there. Many who had not had a visitor to show they cared about them in months, but Patty always made sure to stop and let them know they were loved.
She’s another angel on Earth that has returned to Heaven, and is waiting for you there… May God bless you; your family and may your heart be at peace in knowing this is but a small moment in time, and you will be together again.
Much love,
Becky and Dave Terlop
I am truly sorry for your loss. I can’t begin to imagine your depth of sorrow, but please know that my heart goes out to you during this incredibly difficult time.
I know from the stories you shared, Patty was a wonderful person and her presence will be deeply missed. I hope you find comfort in the memories you shared and in the love and support of those around you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything I can do.
Wishing you strength and peace,
Kristie Zappitelli
Peace be with the family. Sad news of an old neighbor and friend.