Patricia “Pat” Marie LaMarca (Née Bingham) passed on Friday, the 29th of November, from an extended illness. Her family is comforted with the knowledge that she is no longer suffering and is with her dear son, Tony.
Pat will be remembered as a devoted Wife and Mother, a fun-loving Sister, a favorite Aunt, and a doting Grandmother, whose home was always open to family, friends, and those in need. Her boisterous laugh was infectious and could fill a room. Pat had a unique gift of connection, effortlessly turning strangers into friends—she never left a room without leaving it better than she found it.
Pat is survived by her doting husband, Charles “Charlie” John LaMarca Jr. (U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, Retired); her children: Angela Lamarca-Vesey (Brian), Charles “Chip” John LaMarca III (Adrianna), and Theresa Eileen Land (Tye); grandchildren: Captain Donovan Vesey (USAF), Sergeant Brendan Vesey (USMC), Simon LaMarca, Shila Land, Rose LaMarca, Coraline Land, Lucy LaMarca, Charles LaMarca IV, and Valkyrie Land; her siblings: Lorraine, Maggie, Don, Luann, John, Barb, Ann, and Bill; along with dozens upon dozens of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Pat, Charlie, and their four children moved to Colorado Springs for Charlie’s final active-duty Air Force assignment after traipsing through Maine, Florida, Germany, Arizona, Virginia, and England.
Pat found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially in shopping and her rousing visits to the Las Vegas Strip. She cherished every moment spent with her beloved grandchildren, especially during their shopping adventures. She loved browsing the aisles of her favorite stores, joyfully encouraging them to add whatever their hearts desired to the cart, creating memories filled with laughter and love. She had a flair for the finer things, including her cherished collection of Coach purses, her love for Cadillacs, and thoughtful taste in fine jewelry. Pat also enjoyed visiting Las Vegas with her sisters, relishing the excitement of the slot machines. She never hesitated to recount her lucky wins—or how incredibly close she had come to hitting the jackpot—with infectious enthusiasm.
Pat was a prolific artisan and crafter, whose creativity knew no bounds. She lovingly crafted everything from her sisters’ and daughters’ stunning wedding and prom dresses, blankets for her grandchildren, and celebratory cakes with her famous buttercream frosting.
Although she never had the opportunity to meet her grandson, John, in person, her love for him was unmistakable. Through the treasured stories his parents will share, he will grow to know her warmth and feel her enduring love. Pat also deeply wished for a closer connection with her grandchildren who lived farther away. Her family hopes they recognize how profoundly she cared for them and how often they were in her heart and thoughts.
Pat was fiercely proud of her children and grandchildren and would boast about their doings and accomplishments to anyone nearby. But above all, Pat was most proud of her nearly 54-year marriage to her high school sweetheart, Charlie. Their story began at Westmont High School in San Jose, California. They married shortly after Charlie completed his Air Force basic training and before he honorably served his country in Southeast Asia.
There will be a memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in January 2025.
She is preceded in death by her parents and son, Anthony Michael LaMarca.