Marian Howard Patocchi
Marian Howard Patocchi was born Aug. 18, 1930, in Sacramento, California to George and Carolyn Howard. She grew up in San Leandro and graduated from San Leandro High School in 1949. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College, where she met the love of her life, Robert J. Patocchi, whom she married in 1953. They both transferred to UC Berkeley and Marian graduated with a BA in Social Welfare. They moved to Chicago in 1953 where Bob attended Medical School and Marian worked for Cook County Social Welfare Department until the birth of her first child. Bob enlisted in the Army which took them to Livorno, Italy in 1957. In 1959 they chose to settle in Novato, California to raise their already growing family and for Bob set up his medical practice. During their long and happy marriage, they raised six wonderful children and made beautiful memories.
Marian was a wonderful mom, devoted wife, and friend to many. In the 60’s she and Bob developed many friendships that they cherish to this day. They bowled at Nave Bowling Alley and participated in a dinner group they called “Dine at 9”, a tradition that has lasted almost 60 years. She was a good bridge player and was in many groups over the years. Her most recent group was called “Play a little, Talk a lot”! They were members of the Marin Country Club where she excelled in tennis and played well into her 70’s. She loved gardening, playing the piano, See’s candy and helping others. She volunteered for Jolly Rogers Children’s Home Society, Sunny Hills Guild, St. Vincent de Paul and her Parish, St. Anthony de Padua in Novato. She especially loved singing and sang in her church choir and for the American Association of University Women of which she was a member.
As a busy mother she car-pooled, attended her children’s school and sporting events, planned family functions and filled her home with love. As the children got older, Marian learned to water ski and scuba dive right along with them. Marian loved to entertain and was proficient at planning the perfect party. She never missed a birthday or special event. Everyone looked forward to her annual Christmas Eve party; family and friends were all invited. She was a great cook and never ran out of food. She loved what she did and she did it with style!
Marian and Bob enjoyed travelling. They visited Egypt, Europe, The Philippines, Mexico, The Caribbean and Alaska.
Marian was predeceased by her younger brother, Richard and her niece, Mimi. She is missed loved and survived by her husband, Robert Patocchi, her six children; Nancy Lund (Bill), Bob Patocchi (Thelma), Jane Sullivan, Lisa Collins (Joe), Mary Mammoser (Charlie) and Joan Gill; her nephew, Rich Howard; and her grandchildren; Joey and Robert J. Patocchi III, Carrie, Joseph and Nicki Mammoser, Dustin Gorell; Matthew and Michael Lacey, Christy Gill, Joe Collins and 2 great grandchildren; Kimber and Jeremy Lacey as well as extended family members and many close friends. She was a very gracious, kind and special lady and will be missed by all.
A funeral mass will be held Aug. 6, 2021 at 11am at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic church in Novato. Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Anthony’s Parish in Novato or to the charity of your choice.
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