Cape Henlopen School Nurse Passes Away

Patricia Marvel Huff Stenger passed away May 15 in Rehoboth Beach. She was 99 years old.

Known as a woman of grace and dedication, Patricia was born on August 2, 1926. Her life touched many through her profession as a registered nurse, retiring as a school nurse from Cape Henlopen School District. Patricia held many heartfelt commitments to her hometown of Milton, her family and her faith.

A cherished member of the Century Club of Milton, the Red Hats of Milton, Cheer Yoga and Bridge Club, along with many other groups, Patricia held a deep love and reverence for Sandhill Church in Milton as well. These connections were evident throughout her life, anchoring her spirit in a place that nurtured her faith and community bonds. She found joy and fulfillment in various recreational activities including shopping, pool swimming for exercixse, golfing at Shamrock Par 3, sewing and knitting.

Patricia also loved walking along the dirt pit, visiting Broadkill Beach and collecting Broadkill shells. All her activities kept her active and engaged in the world around her.

Family was central to Patricia’s life and she will be missed dearly by her husband of 33 years, John Robert Stenger, with whom she shared many years of companionship and love. She is also survived by her children who will carry forward her legacy of warmth and kindness:  Richard Meredith Huff (Diane L. Huff); Douglas Meredith Huff (Susan Loraine Westover); Jocelyn Meredith Huff; John Stenger (Mary Beth); Cathy Stenger Martin (James/Jim); Nancy Stenger (Daniel); and Bobby Stenger (Wendy).

Patricia’s devotion extended lovingly to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whose lives were enriched by her presence and care. The grandchildren that survive her include The Huff grandchildren include Shelby Lynne Lachmann, Lauren Meredith Huff, Lindsay Huff Behney (Michael), Andrew Douglas Lisle Huff (Sharyn), Eric Lee Jenkins (Savannah), Joshua Henry Huff (Amanda), and Zachary John Huff (Chelsea); while her great-grandchildren are Franklin Richard Martin, Andrew Alexander Lisle Huff, Charlotte Valentina Huff, Dalton Lee Jenkins, Leif Arthur Lachmann, Chloe Marie Huff, Greyson Henry Huff, Layton Robert Huff, Carson James Attix, and a future baby Huff. Among the Stenger family grandchildren are Clint Stenger, John Paul Stenger, Frank Stenger (Trinity), Robert/Bobby Stenger (Samantha), Zula Stenger, Annie Richardson (Bo), Sara Lancaster (Keith Cherry), Tara Weaver (Ed), Christine Keller (Kevin), Joan Tylecki, Chad Tylecki, Aric Boyd (Meleah), Jeremey Boyd (Becca), Shelby Shockley (John), and Taylor Davis (Rich). The great-grandchildren include Nova Stenger, Lachlan Stenger, Robert (Bo) Stenger, Brenn Martin (Taylor), Quinn Richardson, Koby Martin (Courtney), Chloe Richardson, Chad Richardson, Kaden Lancaster, Madison Weaver, Lia Weaver, Nora Keller, Margaret Greeley, Benjamin Greeley, Anderson Boyd, Hayden Boyd, Elena Shockley, Asher Shockley, Roby Davis. Great-great-grandchildren, Liam and Theo Martin, also hold a special place in her heart. Patricia was blessed to be part of the wonderful Sposato family as well.

Patricia was preceded in death by her firswt husband, Richard M. Huff, Sr. and mourned the loss of her children, Patricia Jerilyn Huff and Henry John Huff. She also dearly missed her sister, Jean Sposato. These losses were profound, yet Patricia carried their memories with a grace that inspired those around her.

Throughout her long life, Patricia remained a beacon of kindness, resilience and love. Her legacy is one of deep community ties, unwavering faith and an enduring commitment to family. Those who knew her will remember a woman whose heart was as vast as the Delaware skies under which she lived, cherished and ultimately departed.

Her memory will continue to resonate fondly in the lives of her family, friends and all who had the privilege to know her.

No formal ceremonies are currently scheduled. A private service will be held at a later date.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Accent Care, 17855 Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Dallas TX 75287 or Milton Fire Company, 116 Front Street, Milton DE 19968