Patrica Lorraine Martinelli's Obituary
Patricia Lorraine Martinelli passed away on January 20th, 2026 in
Redwood City, CA at the age of 71. Patty was born on May 31st, 1954 in
Inglewood, California to parents George and Bette Cooney. Patty
’s Irish
twin sister, Pamela, was born 11 months earlier. The family moved to Costa
Mesa when Patty was 2 to a brand new tract house surrounded by orange
groves where the girls would play with neighborhood friends for hours.
Patty and Pam were best friends growing up and created plays with kids on
the block, selling tickets and candy with Patty always manning the cash
register. Every holiday their mother dressed them alike in holiday dresses.
At age 18 Patty moved to Oahu, Hawaii and studied emergency medical
tech training at Queens Medical Center. She would later become a flight
attendant for United Airlines based out of San Francisco, California, from
which she traveled the world.
Patty married Jack Martinelli in 1988 and they purchased a home in San
Mateo, California. They traveled to New Zealand, Portugal, and traveled
through Europe with Jack’s family. They raised two children, Jack, 29 lives
in Belmont, CA and Sean, 27, lives in San Mateo. The family had many
memorable vacations to Washington DC, Twain Harte, CA and Kauai. Patty
had a lifelong passion for gardening and knew the names of every plant
and tree. She had a green thumb and helped friends and neighbors design
beautiful gardens for their homes. She made bouquets of flowers every
week which she delivered to Sean’s high school and the police station.
Patty was kindhearted and compassionate, and had many friends and family
who dearly loved her, and she them. She enjoyed every minute of being a
loving and supportive mom for her boys.
Patty was preceded in death by her mother Bette Cooney, her father George
Cooney, and infant daughter Dorothy Patricia Martinelli, lost at birth
exactly 30 years to the day before Patty left us.
Patty is survived by her husband of 38 years, Jack Martinelli, 2 children,
Jack Jr., and Sean, Jack Jr.
’s partner Emma, sister Pamela Feldsted, nieceSarah Feldsted, and cousins Bill (Kathy) Ginnow and Cindy (Barry) Ogle,
three sister-in-laws and their spouses, and nieces, nephews and many
friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and caregivers
who supported Patty and her family with extraordinary care, compassion,
and kindness before and after her passing.
Patty is gone too soon. She will be missed and loved always and her
memory will live in our hearts forever.
A Celebration of Life for Patty will be held on February 20, 2026 at 1:00
p.m. in the Chapel at Skylawn MemorialPark, San Mateo, followed
immediately at 2:00 p.m. by a graveside service near the Chapel.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to San Mateo County Parks
Foundation https://supportparks.networkforgood.com
What’s your fondest memory of Patrica?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patrica?
Share a story where Patrica's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patrica you’ll never forget.
How did Patrica make you smile?
