Mary Saers Patton

Mary was born on January 2, 1931 in Caroline County, Virginia, and had a wonderful life filled with work, travel, friends and most important of all, her family. Mary attended Lynchburg College and enjoyed her career working in the offices at several schools in both New Jersey and Virginia during the years her children were in school, including Morris Vo Tech, West Morris Central High School, and Lafayette High School. Mary and her late husband Sam owned and operated two successful restaurants in Staunton, Virginia, and they also managed Fredericksburg Country Club. As members of the Country Club Association and Restaurant Managers’ Association of Virginia, Mary and Sam traveled widely and met numerous lifelong friends along the way. Never meeting a stranger, Mary’s Virginia hospitality stayed with her all of her life. She was the organizer of many holiday gatherings, family reunions and parties, the memories of which her family, neighbors and friends will never forget.

Left to cherish Mary’s life and legacy are her son Samuel Patton III (Renee) of Alpharetta, GA, daughter Patricia Gsell of Midlothian, VA, and son Stephen Patton (Maureen) of Williamsburg, VA; grandchildren Christopher Gsell (Maggie), Gregory Gsell, Samuel Kyle Patton, and Lauren Patton Sanborn (David); and great-grandchildren Hunter Gsell, Josey Gsell, Ethan Sanborn, and Logan Sanborn.

Mary will rest with her husband Sam in Arlington National Cemetery. A celebration of life is planned for Spring, 2024.