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.