Obituary: Patricia Stach, 59, of Centreville

This obituary was submitted by Patricia's husband, David Stach.  

• Name: Patricia Anne (Noto) Stach
• Age: 59
• Date: May 12, 2013
• Hometown: Centreville
• Survived by: David A Stach, 55, husband Liesl A Stach, 21, daughter Dieter E Stach, 19, son Paetr J Stach, 16, son

Patricia Anne (Noto) Stach, child of God and dear friend of our Savior, Jesus Christ, departed this life on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2013. A devoted and loving mother and wife, she left behind daughter, Liesl Anna Stach; sons, Dieter Erich Stach and Paetr Johann Stach; and husband, David Alan Stach.

Patricia (Patty) was born on April 19, 1954 in Farmingdale, NY of loving parents Anthony Noto (d.2012) and Anna (Marsh) Noto. She was a wonderful sister to Anthony J. Noto and his wife Claire; Florene (Noto) Dittrich and her husband Doug; Kathy Anne Noto (d.1960); Jeffrey B. Noto (d.2006) and his wife Lisa; Joseph Noto; and Cathleen (Noto) Sellitti and her husband Anthony.

Patty was the third of seven children. Her strength and independence was evident at an early age. When she was just eleven years old, she hopped on a train to explore New York City by herself. Initially, she wanted to go to school to be a dancer. She was always practicing ballet moves around the house. Her love of dance eventually gave way to her love of the theater, which would become her passion.

Her love of the theater gave her the opportunity to travel across the country, where she stage managed a variety of plays. Her dedication and hard work earned her the opportunity to stage manage the closing ceremonies for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Even though her job took her to different places, the closeness she felt to her family remained strong. Her dedication showed in all aspects of her life. She was a loving daughter, a devoted sister and a kind and caring aunt.
 
In the summer of 1985, Trish met David. On July 31, 1988, they were married in Patchogue, NY and began a lifelong journey together. They had children, raised a family and most importantly discovered our Lord, Jesus Christ. That continually growing and deepening relationship for both Trish and David was central to everything that they did. It kept their marriage on a firm foundation and was responsible for the character and development of their children.

Everyone who knew Trish understood that her relationship with Jesus drove her every decision. She was a vigorous supporter of various charity groups, religious organizations, public school programs, and cancer research. Her battle with breast cancer for the last 15 years developed into a ministry to other survivors that introduced them to Christ’s love and afforded hope to many who had not known it.
 
Church life and small group ministries were the lifeblood of Trish. She was engaged in many ministries and small groups in each church she attended. Reaching out and helping others with their issues and troubles was her primary focus. The number of people she touched was many, but the depth of those relationships was what was important to her.

And, lastly, people will remember her as the world’s best hugger, always with a smile on her face, praising God in everything. Her positive energy was infectious to all who knew her. To say she will be missed is an understatement. She has left a gaping hole in the world, but she also has left us with the inspiration to fill it. We praise God for putting her in our lives. Thank you Jesus!
 
A service celebrating the life of Patricia Stach will be held Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m., at Our Saviors Way Lutheran Church, 43115 Waxpool Road in Ashburn. Click here for directions. Dessert and coffee will follow the service.
 
The family has established the Patricia Anne (Noto) Stach Fund through the Lutheran Community Foundation. It will be seeded with a generous contribution from her estate and will accept donations – which the family would prefer, in lieu of flowers. It will also create a perpetual fund that will be professionally managed by LCF and will distribute an annual donation that Trish’s children will direct to charities of their choosing on their mother’s behalf. The donation will be made available to the children each year on Trish’s birthday, April 19, and distributed to the charities by Mother’s Day.

Her husband, David, said: “This will go on in perpetuity so that subsequent generations will be able to experience Trish’s giving heart.” For more information, visit the website.
 
Anyone wishing to provide meals to the family may sign up online. Recipient last name: Stach; password: stach.