Patricia Ann Ryder died Aug. 14, 2024, at Country Meadows, Bethlehem. She was the wife of Thomas G. Ryder for 50 years.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., she was a daughter of Raphael C. and Helen (Hart) Peters.

She was a 1957 graduate of the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

She worked in advertising with J. Walter Thompson in New York. She began freelance reporting for the Emmaus Free Press. When East Penn Publishing was ready to expand, she had the opportunity to start the Parkland Press. Three years later, she became editor of the Whitehall-Coplay Press.

She served as president of the Pennsylvania affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women.

As a librarian, she enjoyed helping people understand the nuances of English, even instructing English as a Second Language. She joined the Parkland Art League, exploring her skills in oil and watercolor painting. She won art awards.

For more than 30 years, she was an active member of the St. Thomas More Allentown parish.

She is survived by five children, Tom with Kate, Christine with Titus Brookins, Jim with Tammy, Bob and Kathleen with Nick Caserio; 13 grandchildren, Kellen, Timothy, Briana, Gabrielle, Marissa with Mark Koci, Madison, Sean, Mikaela, Emma, Jane, Whitley, Chatham and Charleston; a great-grandchild on the way; and a host of friends.

Contributions may be made to NFPW Education Fund, 140B Purcellville Gateway Drive, suite 120, Purcellville, VA 20132, or to Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, c/o Office of Annual Giving, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-7056.

Arrangements were made by Norcross-Weber Funeral Home, Coopersburg.