Patricia Grace Sauerbrei (née Altamura), affectionately known as Mima, passed away on February 14, 2025, in Pompano Beach, Florida, at the age of 74. Born on March 16, 1950, in the Bronx, NY, she was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and unwavering support throughout her life.

In a world of DRAMA....Pat who is also known as Mima or Mia was no Drama. She was pure love and kindness. She exuded a calming warmth and was the voice of reason in every situation no matter how stressful. She loved intensely and with a passion for everyone whether you were related or not. If you needed to be reeled in or talked off a ledge, Mima was an expert at diffusing things before they would explode. In our big immediate and extended family, she was the glue that held us all together. Her joy in life came from everyone being together and connecting to each of us. Always putting family first, she was present and non-judgmental.
She sang at the top of her lungs and danced like no one was watching. Her smile filled up the kitchen as she cooked and would serve everyone effortlessly. Mima was tons of fun and so happy. She loved to travel to be with family and friends especially to visit her 5 children, 3 nephews, 16 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

Patricia's early education took place at Ascension Catholic School followed by New Milford High School, and she furthered her education at Middlesex County College. Her professional journey began at Castrol Motor Oil in Hackensack, NJ, in 1978, where she started as a secretary. Demonstrating dedication and skill, she climbed the ranks to lead warehouse operations and later served as an ERP Project Business Analyst in Edison, NJ. Following Castrol's acquisition by BP Petroleum in 2000, she continued to excel at their corporate headquarters in Wayne, NJ as a Business Analyst on the Supply Chain Team until her retirement in 2018. Her career not only provided her with many fulfilling experiences but also introduced her some lifelong friends and ultimately to her beloved husband, Thomas Sauerbrei (Papa Tom). They created a beautiful life for the past 29 years living in Kinnelon, NJ. Three years ago they became snowbirds in Pompano Beach Florida. In August they moved from Kinnelon to Long Branch where they had an amazing 3 months before our beloved Papa Tom suddenly passed away.

Over the past 29 years, Mima and Papa Tom were a couple that others aspired to be like. They were each other's soulmates. Their love for each other and connection was beyond the norm. They had many hobbies and interests that they enjoyed together. They loved to play cards, watch jeopardy, spend hours at the beach, and were avid sports fans who enjoyed placing bets and parlays weekly. But most importantly, the center of their lives was their grandchildren. Whether it was making it to their sporting events, school functions, or just spending time with them, Mima and Papa Tom did whatever they could to be connected to their family. Everyone in their lives was important to them whether blood related or not.

For enjoyment, Mima loved her jazzercise, Pilates, and yoga. Talking and laughing with Doris, Nancy, Patty, Sandi, Aura, Tricia, Lori, Josephine along with her new friendships in Pompano Beach and Long Branch, would fill her heart. Starting and ending her days were often on long walks with her beloved dog, Quincy.

She leaves behind a loving family including her brothers Steven Altamura and his fiancé' Cindy Morris, and Frank Altamura; sister Lydia King; daughter Michelle Gabriel; son Paul Seifert and his wife Daniela; bonus children Suzanne Sprauge and her husband Martin, Chris Sauerbrei and his wife Val, and Kelly Bolton and her husband Adam. She was also a cherished grandmother to Alexa, James, Benjamin, Julienne, Gabriella, Nico, Hannah, Henry, Emily, Jack, Bailey, Cade, Gavin, Devan, Aly, and Zach, and a great-grandmother to Kaia. Additionally, she is survived by nieces and nephews Rich Altamura and his wife Ellie, Doug Altamura and his wife Jenn, Ryan King and his wife Nedie, Marc Altamura, Lori Mufson and her husband Nat and Donna Mahan, along with many more extended family members who she loved and who adored her.

Patricia was an intelligent, levelheaded woman who lived her life with a beautiful balance of loving so deeply while being incredibly strong. Her life was marked by her ability to unite and uplift those around her, leaving a legacy of love and cherished memories with all who knew her.

Mass will be held on Saturday, March 1st, at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, 800 Ocean Avenue N., Long Branch, NJ, at 12:00 PM, followed by gathering of family and friends from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue, Long Branch, NJ. A repass from 4:30 to 8:00pm will follow to remember Patricia's life. The arrangements are being handled by Damiano Funeral Home.