Patricia Comella Obituary

Patricia Thompson Comella entered the gates of heaven peacefully on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, surrounded by family after a long battle with chronic lung disease. She was born on February 3, 1935, in Sardis, Tennessee, the only daughter of the late Ruie Corrine Hodgin and Grays Bennett Thompson. Pat was a longtime member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where she served as a member of the Women of the Cathedral. She graduated from Sardis High School and attended Memphis State University before marrying James Anthony Comella. Pat stayed 'young at heart' her entire life, enjoying entertaining her friends and neighbors at her home and playing bridge and tennis at the University Club of Memphis. She loved watching Memphis Tiger basketball and football and rarely missed a game on television. Over her lifetime, Pat worked for the Tom O'Ryan Advertising Company, The Shop of John Simmons, Coming Attractions, and Loudeans. She enjoyed painting with both watercolors and charcoal. Pat found joy in her volunteer work and served as a member of Les Passees, Women's Exchange, and Subsidium, as well as a board member at the University Club. She was a 1987 Memphi Duchess during Carnival Memphis. Pat is remembered for having a beautifully appointed home, being an excellent cook and hostess, and being fashionable. She loved a good party and being around people, sharing stories, and the color peach. Pat loved to travel, particularly to Destin, Florida. She also adored her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bubbles. Pat is preceded in death by her husband of thirty-two years, James Anthony Comella; her brothers, Cylle, James, and Charles Thompson; her niece, Brenda Dodd; and her loving companion, Thomas Michael O'Ryan. She is survived by her stepson, Gary Comella (Carrie), grandchildren, James Gary Comella, Jr. and Betsy Comella McKay; and great-grandsons, Patrick and Michael McKay; nieces, Barbara Koska (Steve) of Greenville, NC, Brenda Whitaker (Walt) of Shawnee, KS, Sarah Goldman (Peter) of Alexandria, VA; and nephew, James Thompson (Mitzi) of Charlottesville, VA; great-nieces Stacey Thompson Pera (daughter, Charleigh) of Memphis, TN and Pam Thompson Breckwoldt (Reid) of Huntersville, NC. Pat's family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dindie Jones for her love, care, and compassion. Dindie became more than her caregiver; she became family. Visitation is from 11:30-12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with a Funeral Mass immediately following beginning at noon. A reception will follow the service at the University Club of Memphis. A private interment will be held. Memorials may be made in honor of Patricia Thompson Comella to the COPD Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
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