Patricia Mase

Patricia Mase (Pat), of Raritan Boro, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at home, comforted by loved ones.

Pat was born on April 20, 1935, to the late Louis and Clymene (Luckey) Keesler in Scranton, PA. At the age of eight she moved with her family to Newark NJ.  She moved from Newark to Raritan 66 years ago with her husband Francis and their two young children, Debbie and Jeff, and resided in her home there ever since. 

For over twenty years Pat worked at Duke Gardens in Somerville, NJ becoming one of the head gardeners. There she cared for and designed a variety of gardens both in the public gardens and in the home of Doris Duke.  Her work there included the Japanese Garden, the Desert Garden, the Persian Garden and a variety of others.  She was in charge of the Japanese Garden at the Duke Residence by the personal request of Doris Duke. This garden is now called the Meditation Garden at the Duke Foundation. Recognizing her talents, Miss Duke requested Pat’s supervision and design skills be utilized at her multiple residences in the U.S. 

Pat was an innovative artist. Beyond working with plants, she painted, sculpted with a variety of materials, and was very influential in the ceramic department at RVCC. She was involved with an artist group at the same college and became lifelong close friends with many of her fellow artists.

Pat traveled several times to Europe, to France, Italy, and Greece, and within the United States.  She was an active and beloved friend to many and was devoted to her family and especially her grandchildren. As she said, she always wanted life “to be interesting”. And she made it so. 

One highlight of each year for six decades was her open house Christmas Eve party. There, multiple generations shared a loving evening spreading joy throughout the neighborhood caroling door-to-door.

Pat’s husband Francis Mase, who passed away in 1998, was her life partner since they were very young and met in Newark. She cherished her relationship with his extended family and always felt fortunate to be a part of it.

Pat established and maintained many dear lifelong friendships with her school classmates and neighbors who were growing up in Newark NJ during World War II. There so many people were new to the area or to the country - beckoned to the site by available work during the war. 

Later in life, Pat enjoyed a relationship with Anthony Sacino, Sr. of Raritan who predeceased her in 2015. She continued relationships with many of his family members which brought her years of joy and intrigue. 

Pat is survived by her two children: Jeffery Mase and his wife, Maureen ORegan, Deborah Giordano and her husband, John, her beloved grandchildren who she was ever so proud of: Luke, Rory and his partner, Monica,Arlen and his partner, Johanna. She is also survived by her loving sister-in-law, Stephanie Pasquini as well as many extended family members.  Through her gracious and generous spirit there were so many young people who considered her their own adoring grandmother, mother, or aunt. 

Pat Mase was fun. 

An outdoor memorial gathering will be held in her honor on June 13, 2026 with arrangements to come.  (please contact JeffMase@gmail.com if you would like to be included in this event)

Arrangements under the direction of Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home in Lebanon, NJ.

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