Marcia Patterson Tomassi

January 8, 1945 - May 19, 2019
Marcia Patterson Tomassi

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Marcia Patterson Tomassi, of Leland, passed away Sunday, May 19th, at the age of 74.

She was born in Flushing, Queens, NY on January 8, 1945 as Marcia Beattie Patterson to Caryl Clare Beattie and Archibald Alexander Patterson (both deceased).

She was raised in Port Washington, NY, and graduated from Courtland State Teachers College. She taught most of the next five decades, specializing in disabled grade schoolers, including at The Lowell School in NYC. An ardent equestrian, she created an extracurricular program for her students to spend quality time at nearby stables. Then First Lady Nancy Reagan recognized Marcia, awarding her a Special Commendation Medal for her innovative program. After retiring she moved to Leland, NC and continued being active in the community, joining Cape Fear River Watch, volunteering at The Bellamy Mansion, and bird watching and counting. She had a sharp wit, sense of Decency, and always ready to help, when and where needed. She was a fighter, but the battle against a collapsed lung, COPD, and Pulmonary Fibrosis the past year wore out this tough breast-cancer survivor.

She is survived by four brothers, Bruce Spotten Patterson, James Scarlet Patterson, Roy Douglas Patterson, and Robert (Bert) Alexander Patterson; also son Christopher Thomas Tomassi, daughter Kimberly Ann Tomassi Collins, grandson Christian James Collins, and many cousins, and nieces and nephews.

According to her wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes returned to Port Washington, NY where a service will be held at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, June 17, 2019 at 11 am.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 525 Village Road, Leland, NC 28451. 910-383-3511.


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  • May 02, 2023
    Marsha Smith lit a candle:
    Lit since May 2, 2023 at 5:53:51 PM

  • May 23, 2019
    Phyllis D says:
    May you draw close to God in prayer, James 4:8. May it be a comfort to you in knowing that sickness and death will cease, Isaiah 25:8. May you look forward to the time when all those who sleep will be restored to life as God has promised to end all grief by means of the grand resurrection, Acts 24:15. I hope this will bring some comfort to the Tomassi family.

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