Patricia Louise Colella

April 13, 1937 — August 27, 2025

Patricia “Pat” Louise Colella, 88, of Merced, California, passed away peacefully in her sleep in August 27, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Rocco Joseph Colella, who predeceased her on November 11, 2024. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, on April 13, 1937, Patricia was the oldest of six children of Marion Elizabeth Tiedeman and Curtis Vernon Dixon.

As a family in the Air Force, we move every few years. All 3 of her children were born in Louisiana. We moved from Louisiana to Maine (made a pit stop in Kane, PA where Rocco’s family lived). From Maine we moved back down to Louisiana (with a pit stop in Kane), then to Guam (with a pit stop in Kane). Rocco left ahead of the family so he could find housing. The rest of us stayed with Aunt Joyce with her family, which included horses, ducks, chickens and a dog. One of our best summers. We lived in Guam for 2 years and mom made sure we saw the island. We went to Hong Kong during this as a family vacation. It was very exciting for all of us. After Guam we moved to Florida, (with a pit stop in Kane). While in Florida we were in guest housing, but you had to move every week into another unit. Mom and Dad got tired of that, so they went to Sears and bought camping supplies, we went to a camp site and we camped until they had a house for us on Eglin, AFB. We had so much fun (except when school started, not so much fun in ice cold showers. Then to Castle AFB in California (with a pit stop in Kane).

A mother carries you nine months in her belly, three years in her arms and forever in her heart.” We always felt loved, even when we were brats. She is survived by her son Jay Michael Colella and her daughters Laura Louise Aden (Colella) and Marion Rose Sullivan (Colella). Laura and her husband Brian Aden are the parents of Christopher and Justin (their son Arin is predeceased). Marion and her husband Robert Sullivan are the parents of Robert and Richard. Patricia is also survived by her sisters Carol, Joyce and Mary. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Rocco, her brothers Phillip and Mark, and her grandson Arin.

Patricia had a warm, welcoming spirit and made everyone she met feel special; so many friends considered her family.

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Colella Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Sierra Calvert, Funeral Arranger.