Patricia Arlene (Specht) Goldstein

Patricia Specht Goldstein, 84, of Highland Park, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, surrounded by her three beloved daughters whose love never left her side.

Born on June 23, 1942, in Paterson, New Jersey, Patricia was the daughter of the late John and Sophie Specht. She graduated from Clifton High School in 1960 before attending St. Peter’s School of Nursing in New Brunswick, where she graduated first in her class in 1963, an achievement that reflected the intelligence, hard work, and determination that defined her throughout her life.

Being a registered nurse was never just a career for Patricia. It was her passion. She dedicated much of her life to caring for others at several hospitals, including, St. Peter’s in New Brunswick, Middlesex (now Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital) in New Brunswick, St. Joe’s in Paterson, and Mount Sinai in New York City. Later in her career, she brought her knowledge and care to the surgical practice of Doctors Hardy and Rao in New Brunswick, and dermatologist Dr. Eva Stahl in Highland Park. Whether caring for patients in a hospital room, a physician’s office, or through private duty nursing, she treated every person with kindness, dignity, and compassion.

In 1964, she married the love of her life, Ronald F. Goldstein. They met while Patricia was working as a nurse at St. Peter’s Hospital and Ronnie was volunteering with the Highland Park First Aid Squad. Together they shared 42 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2006.

They built their life together in Highland Park, where they raised their three daughters and filled their home with laughter, unconditional love, and countless cherished memories. Family was the center of Patricia’s world, and nothing brought her greater happiness than being a mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Rainey and her husband, Craig, of Martinsville, Dana Ongsiako of Highland Park, and Kara Frederick and her husband, Joseph, of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

She also leaves behind the four grandchildren she loved beyond measure: Rebecca Ashley Rainey, Erica Jordan Rainey, Michael Ronald Ongsiako, and Ava Grace Frederick. Being their grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life, and they were the light of her world.

Patricia is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Donna and George Policastro; her nephew, Scott Buckley; her niece, Jennifer Howell; her goddaughter, Amy Ingandela; and many loving extended family members and dear friends who she cherished so much.

In addition to her beloved husband, Patricia was predeceased by her parents, John and Sophie Specht, her parents-in-law, Sidney and Mary Goldstein, and her sister-in-law, Saundra Schwartz.

Outside of her career, Patricia found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved getting lost in a good mystery or suspense novel, watching Hallmark movies, playing games, challenging puzzles, and following true crime stories. Weekends often meant antiquing with Ronnie, searching for hidden treasures together.

She had a special place in her heart for animals and could never turn away a hungry creature that wandered to her front door. That love and compassion for animals became one of the many gifts she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Patricia also devoted herself to her community as a PTA mother, a member of the Highland Park First Aid Auxiliary, and through countless acts of quiet kindness that rarely sought recognition. She believed that caring for others was simply what you did. Those who knew Patricia will remember her gentle spirit, quiet strength, and selfless heart. Her family will forever cherish the family traditions she created, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10, at Jaqui-Kuhn Funeral Home, 17 South Adelaide Avenue, Highland Park, NJ. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m lead by Rev. Sean winters. Burial will follow at Franklin Memorial Park in North Brunswick where she will be laid to rest alongside her spouse.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org), American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org) or the animal shelter of your choice.

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