Patricia L. Foresman
OBITUARY
Patricia L. Foresman, 77, of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 6, 2026, after an extended illness. She was born in Scranton to Ralph and Elizabeth Foresman and spent much of her life involved in arts, faith, and professional communities in the area. Pat graduated from West Scranton High School in 1967 and finished Lackawanna Junior College before heading to New York City to study journalism – a pursuit that sharpened a gift for language she would carry into later writing, theater pursuits, and a corporate training career.
Her career began in 1973 at Emery Air Freight of Scranton, and it took her far beyond northeastern Pennsylvania. Through years and acquisitions, she rose in the organization, eventually becoming a corporate trainer for United Parcel Service.
Her roles with UPS took her to locations in Europe, Asia, and South America. Though she collected dolls and other items from around the world for herself, Pat always brought back gifts for friends and family. She loved to share her adventures and stories.
That desire extended to her nieces and nephews, and then to their children. She was the aunt who showed up to performances, milestones, holidays, and other moments. Pat wanted to open the door a little wider for the next generation, and she contributed to travel opportunities, took family members on trips, and always listened to the stories they had from their own experiences.
Throughout her life, Pat was interested in and involved in theater. In 1979, she became involved with the Standing Room Only Community Theater, where she performed, wrote, and directed major musicals, dinner theater, and childrens productions until 1995. Theater was a natural extension of who Pat was. She commanded a room with ease and vibrancy, bringing a kind of presence that made people lean in. She wore bold colors and jewelry, enjoying the sparkle. She had an animal-print crockpot and colorful Fiesta dinnerware. She laughed readily at the world and occasionally at herself, and she knew how to tell a story.
She brought that same energy to her writing. She contributed columns to a local newspaper and lent her voice to various writing projects throughout her life. Later, she shared her experience and expertise with programs like NEPA Seniors Got Talent.
Her professional achievements earned formal recognition, too. She received the prestigious Raymond F. O’Brien Award from Menlo University in recognition of her work developing the Menlo Training Network globally and coordination training grantsa testament to the seriousness beneath her sparkle.
As a lifelong member of Trinity Congregational Church on the West Side, Pat was deeply woven into the life of the congregation. She served on the Board, held officer positions, sang in the choir, supported mission work, and engaged in outreach. She was also a past president of the Junior Century Club and served on various boards and committees throughout the region.
Patricia is survived by her sister, Jeane Stasik; her brother, Rodger D. Foresman (Lynne); nephews Christopher Stasik (Sarah), Thomas Stasik (Raquel), Paul Smith (Dan), and David Foresman (Klarissa); nieces Katherine Walker (Matthew) and Allison Marlow (Thomas); great-nieces Briana Stasik, Ruby Marlow, and Sloane Walker; great-nephews Ashton Amos, Tucker Patout, Edward Stasik, and Tripp Marlow. She is also survived by a wide circle of cherished friends and former colleagues whose lives she made richer simply by being in them.
Those who knew Pat knew a woman who sparkled – in her dress, her laughter, and her insistence on showing up for the people and causes she loved. She was the type of person who always called family and friends on their birthdays, but she didn’t bother with hello.
She started with the song.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc. in Scranton.
Please visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.
Patricia L. Foresman
May 6, 2026