Patricia Ann Lepofsky, age 71, died in Montclair, New Jersey on Tuesday, October 27. The cause was early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Mrs. Lepofsky was a resident of Randolph for 27 years where she raised two daughters with her husband Mel. She graduated from Saddle Brook High School and received her nursing degree from Holy Name School of Nursing in Teaneck, N.J. She worked as a Registered Nurse at Morris View Nursing Home in Morris Plains for more than twenty years.
Mrs. Lepofsky was happiest when caring for others, both at home and at work. At Morris View, she developed a weekly enrichment program for elderly residents, preparing materials to spark conversation and fond memories among the group. At home, mealtimes and family visits were her priority, and she enjoyed hosting holiday dinners with full tables in both the dining room and kitchen. Mrs. Lepofsky loved the beach, reading and music, especially Johnny Mathis.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sister, Kathleen Gutschmidt of Canadensis, Pa.; daughter Carolyn Mastrangelo and husband Paul of Roseland, NJ; daughter Suzanne Nelson and husband James of Washington, D.C., and four granddaughters: Isabella, Kate, Amelia and Meredith. She is also survived by five nieces and nephews. Mrs. Lepofsky was predeceased by her parents, Constant and Vera Teerlinck.
Mrs. Lepofsky was the inspiration for the Running 4 Answers Race and Fun Run in Roseland, New Jersey, which her daughter Carolyn Mastrangelo and friend Barbara Geiger started in 2010. All proceeds from the annual race are directed to important Alzheimer’s research through Cue Alzheimer’s Fund. Over the years hundreds of runners and walkers have come together to each spring to raise awareness and important Alzheimer’s research dollars. Since its inception, Running 4 Answers has donated more than $200,000 to research through Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.