Patricia A. Pacenta, 87, Pottsville, entered into eternal rest Monday evening at Manor Care Health Services, Pottsville.

Born June 11, 1932, in Shamokin, she was the daughter of the late Anthony N. and Florence S. (Selgrath) Pacenta.

She was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.

Patricia was a 1954 graduate of West Chester University where she obtained her teacher degree.  She earned her Master's Degree in 1960 from Columbia University and later earned her Principal Certification from Scranton University.  She was employed by the Pottsville Area School District from 1956 until retiring in 1992.  She is fondly remembered by the students who passed through the doors of the John S. Clarke Elementary Center as heading the reading program and eventually becoming their principal.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother Peter.

Surviving are her brother Dr. Anthony Pacenta and his wife Valerie, Pottsville; niece Lauren Pacenta; her closest and dearest friend Gloria Land, Pottsville and dogs Murphy, the English bulldog and Chance, the French bulldog.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market St. Pottsville has been entrusted with arrangements.  Please visit schlitzerallenpugh.com to leave a condolence for the Pacenta family.

The family would prefer contributions in memory of Patricia to the Hillside SPCA 51 SPCA Road Pottsville PA 17901.