Marcia Grossman Patz

Born on May 19, 1936, in Washington, D.C., Marcia lived a life defined by strength, devotion, and quiet

resilience. In recent years she made her home in Palm Coast, Florida, though her roots and many

treasured memories remained deeply tied to the Washington, D.C. area and the Chesapeake Bay.

Marcia was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Robert Patz; her parents, Harry

and Sadie Grossman; and her brother, Ted Grossman.

She is survived by her daughters, Marlene Barbera (Todd Hampton) and Karyn Kersey (Lenny Kersey);

her cherished grandchildren, Spencer Barbera, Cole Barbera, Troy Kersey, and Nikki Kersey; and the

Manchester family, who lovingly adopted Marcia as their own. She was a proud and devoted “Grammy”

to Jamie Adkins, Mitchell Manchester, David Manchester, and their children — a title she wore like

royalty. Family was the center of her world, and she held her cousins and extended family especially

close to her heart.

Marcia will be remembered as supportive, loving, compassionate, and endlessly giving. She was

organized and steady, creative and strong — a woman who faced life with remarkable resilience and

quiet stoicism. If life tried to rattle her, she simply smiled and kept moving. Nothing seemed to faze her.

She was deeply involved in her community throughout her life. Marcia and Robert were avid boaters on

the Chesapeake Bay and proud members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. She loved sewing and

crocheting, attending the theater, and hosting gatherings filled with warmth, thoughtful planning, and

friendship. She maintained a lifelong commitment to health and well-being and was always ready to

bring people together around her table. She also loved sports and remained a loyal fan of the

Washington Redskins and the Washington Capitals, cheering on her teams with enthusiasm.

In recent years, her joyful spirit earned her the affectionate nickname “Giggle Box,” a reflection of the

warmth and laughter she continued to share with those around her.

A graveside service will be held at King David Memorial Gardens in Falls Church, Virginia, on March

15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow — just as Marcia would have wanted, surrounded by

family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marcia’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Marcia’s legacy lives on in the strength of her family, the gatherings she so lovingly hosted, and the

steady example of grace and resilience she set for all who knew her.