Aurelia Droder

Aurelia “Pat” Droder died on June 11 at the age of 81 after a brief illness. Pat was born on Sept. 26, 1929 in Detroit, MI., the third child of Theodore Surdykowski and Helen Maciaszek Surdykowski. The family moved to Arnold, PA. where they resided for most of her early years. After graduating high school, Pat began working in the Payroll and Accounting Department of PPG Industries in Creighton, PA. During her six-year employment at PPG, Pat met Paul Droder and the two were married on July 28, 1951 after a two-year courtship. The couple settled in New Kensington, PA just outside of Pittsburgh and had two children, Susan and Robert. The family relocated to Carlisle, PA when Paul was transferred within PPG Industries and it was there that Pat began a hobby that would become her greatest passion, golf. During her time in Carlisle, Pat also became an accomplished artist and was honored to have one of her paintings hanging at the local hospital. The family moved back to the Pittsburgh area, to Wexford, PA where they resided until Paul retired from PPG seeking the warmer climate and year round golf of Naples, FL. Pat loved the game of golf and was awarded “Most Improved” golfer at the Carlisle Country Club, Carlisle, PA and the Wildwood Country Club in the north hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Once she retired to Naples, Pat became a champion golfer, winning the Glades Country Club Women’s Golf Club Championship four times. Pat was a loving spouse, sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Theodore Surdy, and great granddaughter Mia Petty. Pat is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Paul Droder, daughter Susan Rillo and husband Mark Williams, of Onley, VA., son, Dr. Robert Droder and wife Kathryn, of Tyler, TX, six grandchildren, Julia Rillo, Jennifer Rillo, Amanda Rillo, Emily Droder, Michael Droder, Patrick Droder, three great grandchildren, Jacob Gardner, Dominic Rillo and Marley Turner. She is also survived by her sister, Lillian Dahm, sisters in law, Betty Amadio, Marni Surdy-Mackinac, Judy Droder, several nieces and nephews and many other wonderful family and friends. A recitation of the rosary will begin at 6 PM with visitation following until 8 PM on Friday, June 17, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler. The funeral mass celebrating Pat’s life will be Saturday, June 18, at 10 AM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 423 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, TX 75701

Aurelia Droder

September 26, 1929 - June 11, 2011