Died January 7, 2021.

John E. Riley Elementary School, South Plainfield, NJ

Pre-kindergarten

Obituary:

Patricia (Campanelli) Waters, 58, passed away at JFK Medical Center in Edison on Thursday, January 7, 2021 after complications from COVID-19. Born in Plainfield to the late John and Ann (Fugman) Campanelli, Patti has been a lifelong resident of South Plainfield where she and her family have deep roots.

Patti is a graduate of the South Plainfield Class of 1980 she went on to earn her degree in Economics at Rutgers University. She began her career as a Pre-K teacher in 1986, here in her hometown and has left a lasting impression on many of the children and families she has taught. As a Preschool teacher, Patti spent most of her career working for the South Plainfield Board of Education at Future Stars, and most recently working at Riley Elementary School Pre-K.

She is a member of the NJEA. She was a member of the SPHS Marching Band Music Boosters. She loved to read mystery novels, do crafting, scrapbooking, decorating the house for every holiday, going to the beach, being pampered at the nail salon, watching Hallmark movies, beating her husband at mini golf, watching reality shows, watching her children play sports and attend marching band competitions. Patti leaves behind her husband; Scott; son, Matthew and daughter, Stephanie. Also surviving is her Father-in-law Thomas Waters, her sister-in-law Sharon McCabe (Waters), husband Bernard McCabe, nieces Heather Leavy (McCabe) and husband Thomas Leavy, Shannon McCabe and nephew Kevin McCabe. She also leaves behind her loving friends and students. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the families’ desire of safety, Patti’s funeral will be private. A public memorial service will be held at a later date.