Patrica E. Steffens, 76, passed away at Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge, New Jersey on October 24, 2024 with her family by her side. She had been long battling a constellation of illnesses but ultimately succumbed to sepsis and soon after hemorrhagic shock.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 30th at 1pm at Caggiano Memorial, 62 Grove St, Montclair.


Patti was born in Englewood, New Jersey in May 1948 to John and Violet Grahame. At an early age, her family moved to New York and Patti spent the majority of her childhood in Fresh Meadow Queens, and Lake Mohawk NY. One of her fondest childhood memories was when she won "Miss Lake Mohawk" at age 16, in 1964. Patti went to high school at The Woodshull Preparatory School, in Hollis Queens and it was there that she met William Koschnick. After High School, they got married and went on to start a family together after moving to Orlando, Florida. In 1967, they welcomed their daughter, Carolyn, into the world. Patti loved being a new mother and found it fulfilling, challenging and rewarding. She loved her daughter very much and approached her new role with equal parts discipline and laughter.



Years later, after divorce, she met and married Bob Steffens and lived in Essex Fells, NJ.



Patti attended Caldwell College and Rutgers University. Patti graduated with a Masters degree in Psychology.



Patti had a long and prosperous career in the psychology field. Her career as a psychologist quickly took off after graduating due in part to her capabilities and her adept listening skills. . Some of her professional history includes: Working at Essex Therapy Associates as their Director of Counseling and a Statewide Lecturer, counseling rehabilitation patients at The Alpha Center, Psychology Director at The Essex County College and spearheading the project "WHY"(women Help Yourself). Patti also implemented a self-help program for students at both Union College and Ramapo College while also providing leadership throughout the east coast to groups such as W.I.N.G.S (Women in New Growth situations). She also ran workshops for the program "MOMMA" which helped single parents in the suburbs. Patti also helped mothers not feel so isolatated, feeling alone and provided guidance and structure through support groups.



In the 1970's, the programs and support groups that Patti ran and created were considered non-traditional for that time. Patti was ahead of her time and broke the mold when it came to shepherding a mother's mental health into mainstream. Patti fought long-ingrained ideas and institutions in order to bring these issues to light and create a safe space for young mother's, many of them students, in need of support and guidance as they strove for a better future.



One of Patti's most notable accomplishments was founding Agoraphobics Anonymous. She felt that there was an unmet need for this specific patient population and that she was just the person to change that. The group was promptly noticed and then written about in The New York Times, recognized as a meaningful place for like-minded people with the mental affliction to come and share and support each other. Patti was absolutely delighted when CBS took notice and asked her to be on The Morning Show in NYC. It was an exciting day she never forgot!



In her later years, she attended The Aspen Institute for writers and playwrights where it's mission was to encourage writers, inspire readers, and connect people through the power of stories.



Patti is survived by her daughter Carolyn Koshnick Dwyer (husband Kevin) and two grandkids, Casey and Conor, who Patti loved very very much. She will be missed.