Patty Milton D'Apolito, 71, of Melbourne, FL, died Tuesday, March 6, 2012.

She was born to the late Edith Douglas and Jack Brown, May 26, 1939, in Frederick, MD. Patty graduated from Hannah More Academy and received a BS in English from Rollins College and a MS in Administration from Nova University. She was widowed from Joseph D'Apolito.

Patty was a high school teacher until she retired in 2009 and was dedicated to her students. She was honored with Teacher of the Year in 2003 and was selected to carry the Olympic Torch in 1996.

Patty was an active member of Ascension Catholic Church and the South Brevard Women's Center. She loved to take cruises and spend time with her grandchildren.

Patty is survived by her sister, Charlotte Hansberger of Ijamsville, MD and her three daughters: Vicki Berney of Port St. John, FL; Hollie Milton of Cocoa, FL; and Jami Meeks of Sanford, FL. She also is survived by five grandchildren: Sean, Jeremy, Bryce, Jack and Emma.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Ascension Catholic Church, Melbourne, FL.

A service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne, FL.