In Memoriam: Former Longtime Fair Havenite, Teacher, Volunteer, Patty Overman

Former longtime Fair Havenite, teacher and volunteer, Patty Overman, more recently of Red Bank, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

Patty Overman’s face was a familiar, friendly one to countless people in the Rumson-Fair Haven area. Many knew her from the classroom, church, the garden club, scouts, the beach, the Super 50/50 Booth (above) at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair or just about any volunteer endeavor.

“Patty was active in the Fair Haven community. She was a Girl Scout and Brownie leader while (her daughter) Kristin was growing up. She helped with the Super 50/50 at the Fireman’s Fair as well as serving food. Patty taught in both the Rumson and Fair Haven school systems for 30 years, giving hundreds if not thousands of children their first lessons in math and reading. After retiring from teaching, Patty immersed herself in other pursuits, such as the Fair Haven Garden Club, Family and Child Services, bible study at St. George’s and attending The Two River Theater. She also enjoyed going to the beach and playing Dominoes with friends. She had a great relationship not only with her own friends, but those of her children, many of whom fell into the habit of reflexively calling her ‘Mom’ when spending time in the Overman home. Her kind and generous nature enabled her to make friends easily and her smile never failed light up a room.

“She will truly be missed by those who knew and loved her.”
Loved ones of Patty Overman in her obituary

Born in Cincinnati, OH to Stanley and Doris vom Lehn, Patty lived most of her life in the Monmouth County area.

She married her late husband Bill, a longtime Fair Haven Fire Department member, in 1961. They were married for 58 years until his passing in 2019.

She is survived by; their three children, William, Steven, and Kristin; and her brother Garry.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. at St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church, 7 Lincoln Ave, Rumson. A reception will follow at the church after the funeral service concludes. In lieu of flowers, donations to Family and Child Services, Fair Haven Garden Club, and St. George’s by the River will be appreciated.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home

— Photo/Elaine Van Develde, 2016 Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair Super 50/50 Booth with Patty Overman and Ann Dupree