Devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend
Patricia J. Tompkins, a lifetime West Brighton resident, passed away March 2, 2019, at Staten Island University North Hospital.
She was the daughter of the late Joseph K. Carey and Marie Pietracatella; and loving sister of the late Robert Carey, Joseph Carey and Betty Rowe.
She was the devoted mother of Daniel Tompkins and wife Elizabeth Tompkins, William Tompkins and wife Joann Tompkins, and Marie James and husband Rich James. She was the cherished grandmother of Richard Unterberger, Stephen Tompkins, Jennifer James, Samantha Tompkins, Robert Tompkins and Joseph Tompkins.
Patricia was also the cherished friend, surrogate mother and grandmother to Jackie Erickson, Warren Erickson, Michael Erickson, Nicole Erickson and sons Michael and Nicholas, Scott Erickson, Colleen Erickson and sons, Matthew and Justin.
A former paraprofessional for the NYCDOE, Patricia was one of the first to have that position in Staten Island with the Track IV program.
A talented crafts person, Ms. Tompkins started a ceramics program for disabled children at P.S. 20.
She would yearly cook and serve Thanksgiving dinner for her "kids" at school.
She retired from P.S. 37 after a 27-year career with the DOE.
Patricia created quilts, stained glass, repaired and caned chairs and taught ceramics classes for adults.
She shared her skills with youth while serving as a den mother for Cub Scouts located at Olivet Church.
She enjoyed swimming, bowling, playing cards, playing the accordion, board games and sitting around the fire at her summer place in the Catskills.
She was a graduate of the College of Staten Island with an associate's degree.
She was a loving dog owner and loved her dog PJ and his "cousin" Dakota.
Though afraid of flying, she traveled often including taking a coast to coast road trip with her friend Jackie.
She enjoyed life with her family and friends and will be missed.
Viewing is at Harmon Funeral Home, Wednesday, March 6 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass is Thursday, March 7, at 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, 981 Castleton Ave., West Brighton.
Harmon Funeral Home
571 Forest Ave.
Staten Island, N.Y. 10310
(718) 442-5056
Published in Staten Island Advance on Mar. 5, 2019
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