Pat Vanden Berghe

Patricia B. Vanden Berghe, 82, died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 3, 2017, while traveling to North Carolina with her husband, Ray.

Born on March 22, 1935, to Leslie M. and Helen DeVoe Black, Patsy, her older brother, Hank, and younger sister, Leslie, grew up on Black’s Turkey Farm in Sandy Ridge. After graduating from Lambertville High School, Pat pursued a nursing career. She was one of the first nursing staff members hired at Hunterdon Medical Center, where she worked for more than 40 years. One evening while on duty, she met a handsome NJ State Trooper named Ray, and advised her nursing supervisor that she’d just met the man she was going to marry.

One June 14, 1958, she married Raymond J. Vanden Berghe. Together, they built a life in Delaware Township and raised three children.

Pat was a member of Sergeantsville United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, and faithfully participated in its missions and ministries. She taught Sunday school, led and participated in many Bible studies, served on church council, and blessed her church family in many ways. She modeled the love of Christ to all who knew her.

Pat always had time for a heart-to-heart chat, and many friends and family members were blessed by her belief that food could fix almost anything. She hosted legendary family Thanksgiving dinners for more than 50 years. She was a beloved wife, mother, co-worker, friend, confidante, and healer of hurts. Her wise counsel will be sorely missed.

Pat (a.k.a. Patsy, Mom, “Granky,” Aunt Pat, and Mrs. V) is survived by her husband of 59 years, Raymond J. Vanden Berghe, Sr.; her sister, Leslie B. Williams of Southport, NC; her elder son, John, his wife, Sonja, and grandchildren, Alex and Amy of Springfield, VA; a daughter, Barbara, her husband, Keith, and grandsons, Jeffrey and Timothy Duclos of State College, PA; and younger son, Eric, his wife Carole, and granddaughter, Amelia of Milford, NJ. She also leaves behind many extended family members and beloved friends too numerous to count.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

-John Newton, Amazing Grace

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Sunday, August 13th at 3 pm at Sergeantsville Volunteer Fire Company, 761 Sergeantsville Rd, Sergeantsville, NJ, with the Reverend Jessica Stenstrom officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Sergeantsville United Methodist Church, PO Box 51, Sergeantsville, NJ 08557

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.