Patrocenia (Pat) C. Apfelthaler

Born April 29, 1944 in Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines
Departed June 2, 2024 in Rockledge, Florida

“If Roses Grow in Heaven” – Dolores M. Garcia
If roses grow in heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there’s an ache within my heart
that will never go away.

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Patrocenia (Pat) C. Apfelthaler, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 80.

Pat was born on April 29, 1944, in Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines. She attended the Lyceum of the Philippines University Metro Manila and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Banking and Finance. It was in Manila where she met the love of her life, John R. Apfelthaler. On October 6, 1965, they married in the Philippines and later welcomed their son, John. The three moved to Melbourne, Florida and together raised John and their daughter, Patricia.

Pat was a vivacious, compassionate, loving, and generous woman with a deep Catholic Faith. She was heavily involved at Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne, Florida where she was a coordinator of the Eucharistic Ministers, head of the Ministry to the Sick, and volunteered for numerous activities. She also led many fundraisers to help both the church and Ascension Catholic School. Pat created a strong Filipino community within the church celebrating traditions and customs.

She was always there to lend a helping hand and was a source of strength and support to all who knew her. Pat brought immeasurable joy and light into our lives with her kind heart, radiant smile, and great sense of humor. A friend to all, she was a cherished member of the community, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and generosity.

Pat’s devotion to her family was immense and rooted in unconditional love. She was the heart and soul of our family. She was an adoring wife, mother, and grandmother who was always there to offer support, wisdom, and love in abundance. We are better because Pat C. Apfelthaler came into this world, and we will miss her deeply with her passing. She was our treasure that we will have forever!

Pat was preceded in death by her father Paulino Castones; mother Eufracia Poliquit Castones; brothers Emilo Castones, Sr., Hermohenes Castones, Sr., Gregorio Castones, Sr. and sister Maxima Castones Calapre. She is survived by her husband John R. Apfelthaler; their two children John P. (Sonja) Apfelthaler and Patricia Apfelthaler (Eric) Hanson; two grandsons Paul Tyler Apfelthaler and Adam Gregory Apfelthaler; and her sister Ceferina Castones Miller, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Ascension Catholic Church, 2950 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Following her Funeral Mass, there will be a a celebration of life reception.

Guestbook Entry

 
 
 
 
 
 
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12 entries.
Andrea Taylor from Houston wrote on June 21, 2024:
As a friend of Trish's since High School, I saw Mrs. Pat Apfelthaler so often that I just started to call her "Mom". She and her beloved husband, John, were great extra parents to my own. Mrs. Apfelthaler was a beautiful, loving person. She lived for her family and her faith. She would make me pancit and lumpia to take back to college when I was home from school. She gave the best hugs. God has gained a special angel in receiving her back into His arms. Love to the entire family and all who loved her.
Diane Francisco from Melbourne wrote on June 18, 2024:
Pat was a wonderful woman whom I was blessed to know for many years. My heart aches for the family in this time of grief and loss. Love and prayers….
Alli Jones from Crawfordville wrote on June 14, 2024:
I am so sorry for your loss but so happy you had such an amazing person to call family. Although I never had a chance to meet her, I know she will be missed. That poem is so sweet. Your mother and I shared a birthday. Sending you hugs and hope for comfort.
Callie Carpenter from Florence wrote on June 12, 2024:
What a beautiful poem! I'm praying for you and all of your sweet family. I love you Trish. -Callie
Chucha Barber from Tallahassee wrote on June 11, 2024:
Pat Apfelthaler was generous with her gifts of love, acceptance and amazing food. Her smile and many acts of kindness brought joy to all who had the pleasure of being in her presence. I am grateful to be someone touched by her thoughtfulness, nourished by her spiritual faith and her delicious lumpia. My life has been forever enriched for one of her greatest gifts - her amazing daughter, Trish, who embodies her mother’s beauty and grace. Pat now soars among angels. I’m certain I can hear the bells ringing!
Lisa Lynn Fisher from Clearwater wrote on June 10, 2024:
My heart ♥️ was saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. She was a Lovely Soul and i have So Many Fond Memories of her from my childhood and young adulthood at Ascension School. i remember once we (my parents & i) helped Pat (& Many others) to cut meat up for the Filipino BBQ that would be sold at our bazaar. i 💙’d that stuff,, as did my sister, Robyn who lived out of state but Always got to enjoy it as well every year bcuz my parents would ship it up to her❣️My parents also loved Pat, and would often sit behind her & John Sr at mass on Sunday mornings. My heart ❤️‍🩹 goes out to her family; especially John Sr, John & Sonja and Trish. Remember her in your memories, the laughter and joy and life that she was close in your heart. All my prayers 🙏🏼 and angel 😇 warriors ⚔️ are with you. Love, Lisa
Kathy ( Murray) Gabriel from Melbourne wrote on June 10, 2024:
To the family, She was a great friend and person loved always going up to her and she remembered who I was and introduced my husband to her and she said You have a special girl here. Then she would pray with us. I not only her thru Ascension I also knew her because her husband John worked with my dad at the phone company. And growing up with their kids . She will truly be missed. God you got an angel up there and she will always hold a piece of my heart
Joanna Cavalcante from Melbourne wrote on June 10, 2024:
Pat was a wonderful women and always treated me kind and lovingly as we were in the ministry to the sick together. Heaven has another angel 🕊️🕊️🕊️
Ross hayes from Tallahassee wrote on June 10, 2024:
What a beautiful poem and story. Love to all of you!! Ross & Aimee
Della Knauf wrote on June 10, 2024:
Mrs. A, I will always remember game night at your house when the choir would go over there. Always remember your Filipino food. You always showed love and compassion to others. You will be missed.
Rosemarie Cavaliere from melbourne wrote on June 10, 2024:
My prayers to Ms Pat family, I'm so very sorry to hear of her passing Ms Pat was a true Angel of Our Lord, Always smiling as we greeted her every Sunday ad checking in all the SME's for mass. So very devoted in every way.. Always her lil humor but never missed a trick in keeping us all straight.. We Love You Ms Pat. HEAVEN HAS A TRUE ANGEL OF THE LORD. Rest InPeace my Friend. Love you Rose
Ramona Bernard from Melbourne, FL wrote on June 10, 2024:
With prayers to the family of this lovely, loving woman!