Obituary of Patricia Pearson Van Treuren

Patricia "Patti" Pearson Van Treuren, of Butler, died at home, in the care of her loving family, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. She was 59. 

Born in Norfolk, VA, Patti was the daughter of Thomas and Margaret Pearson. Alongside her brother, Thomas, she was raised in Virginia before moving to Suffern, NY, at the age of 12. 

Graduating from Suffern High School in 1980, she went on to study French and Latin American Studies at SUNY Purchase, and later graduated from SUNY Binghamton. 

Marrying Paul Van Treuren in 1990, the couple lived briefly in Ramsey before buying their "fixer-upper" home, built in 1900, in Butler. Throughout the years, they were a team, transforming every room into the comfortable home they enjoyed with their three children. 

Patti was a dedicated mom and devoted her time to everything her children did. Throughout the years, she volunteered her time as a Girl Scout Leader, a Boy Scout Leader, a soccer coach, and time on their schools' PTAs. She was a devoted member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in Pompton Plains, and served their as her children's Sunday School teacher, the Vacation Bible School Director, and served on the Church Council for Stewardship, and had earlier served as the Council's President. If there was something that needed to be done, Patti's hand was raised. She would happily lend a hand to anything she could.

Patti had a 34-year career with Grobet USA, lastly serving as the company's Vice President of Sales Operations. Her fluency in French, and languages in general, made her a valuable employee to the company, and she greatly enjoyed the work she did there. 

Patti was always supportive of her husband, Paul, and the two held a great partnership. They were a team, and divided and conquered the responsibilities of home ownership, parenting, and each other's hobbies. Although Patti was not a musician, Paul and their three children each remember her as "their biggest fan." She opened their home to all, regularly hosting parties and events for all the kids’ friends, ordering pizzas and genuinely enjoying their company. 

Patti was also a gifted cook, and really enjoyed feeding her family. She prized her ability to put a home cooked meal, with fresh ingredients, on the table each night for them. Each one would serve as her "sous-chef", and help her prepare the food, listening to great music in the kitchen and enjoying just being together. 

Family vacations were always organized by Patti, and regularly meant traveling to Virginia Beach to spend time with family. Family was everything to Patti, and she was grateful to be surrounded by so many loving people. Cape May was also a special location for the Van Treurens, and trips to Disney, Canada, Tennessee, and Vermont are also all fondly remembered. 

Patti was a special woman, who was dearly loved and cared for. She will be sorely missed by her husband of 32 years, Paul; her mother, Marge "Gram" Pearson; her children, Cory Van Treuren, Ryan Van Treuren and his fiancé Sarah, and Christina Van Treuren; her sister-in-law, Marie Van Treuren and her husband Tim O'Grady; her nephew, Thomas R. Pearson II and niece, Kelly Wright, as well as their families.

She was predeceased by her father, Thomas F.J. Pearson and brother, Thomas "TR" Pearson.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, July 18 from 4-8 pm at the M John Scanlan Funeral Home, 781 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains.  A funeral service will be held 11 am Tuesday at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 670 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains. Repass to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Patti's memory to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Saviour or the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated by her family.