Obituary of Patricia G. Culp

Patricia G. Culp, 75, of Naples, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ.  Pat was born in Gary, IN and was raised in Merrillville, IN.  She moved to East Brunswick, NJ and then to Point Pleasant Beach, NJ before settling in Naples, FL in 2016.  Pat worked for the School City of Hammond and New Road School in special education for over 40 years, retiring in 2012. She loved being outside and around the water, growing up near a pond, living at the Jersey Shore and in Naples, and going to the beach. She planted flowers every spring, tended to them all summer and fall, and the environments she created were wonderful places to spend time. Pats creativity was seen in her warm and welcoming house and gardens, as well as other areas of her life. Her cards and letters always contained little sketches and she painted and created stained glass. Pat had a love for animals, especially cats; she rescued many strays and eventually volunteered at a cat shelter. She also briefly volunteered at Jenkinson’s Aquarium and Naples Botanical Garden.  She was fun and funny; warm , vibrant, and playful. She was the fun mom and grandma but also a strong parent, grandparent, and teacher. Most importantly, she deeply loved her family, especially her grandchildren of whom she was endlessly proud. She truly was one of a kind and will be so very missed.  

Pat was predeceased by her two brothers, Charles Appleton and Keith Appleton.  She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Gregory Culp; two daughters, Kristin Clemenz and her husband, Sean of Chicago, IL and Courtney Stapleton and her husband, Patrick of Farmingdale, NJ; and four grandchildren, Kate, Hannah, William, and Colleen.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 6 Osborne Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736 on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM.  A memorial service will follow at 11:30 AM.  Inurnment will follow on the church grounds.  For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to the church.  Arrangements by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.