Patricia Ann Suit, 63, of California, Maryland died on January 22, 2013 at MedStar Georgetown Hospital after a 23 year battle with breast cancer. She passed from this life surrounded by her loving husband and brothers and sisters. Patricia retired as principal of St. John's Parochial School in Hollywood in 2011.

Born May 16, 1949 in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of the late Upton and Miriam (Drury) Thompson.

She is survived by her husband Steve Suit of California, MD, sister-in-law Marylou Thompson (Upton, deceased), sisters Franny Thompson (George) and Tism Blackwell (Alan), brothers Benedict Thompson (Sheila), Wayne Thompson (Joan), Mike Thompson (Barbara), John Thompson (Elise) and Sam Thompson (Susan) and many nephews and nieces.

Patricia was a graduate of St. John's School and St. Mary's Academy. She earned her undergraduate degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland. She received a Master of Science degree in Education and Curriculum from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD.

After college, Patricia taught at Spring Ridge Middle School in Lexington Park and then moved to San Diego working at Holy Cross Hospital. She returned home in 1984 and began teaching at St. John's, primarily middle school English and mathematics.

Her attachment to St. John's runs deep as one of nine siblings to graduate from the school and one of several family members to work there. This included her mother who was one of the first lay teachers.

Patricia quickly earned a reputation for promoting the arts as well as academics with the belief that both are essential to a well rounded education. She initiated the choral program at St. John's and later added an instrumental music program as well. Having worked closely with the Hollywood Optimist Club to promote public speaking, she was recognized by the Optimists for "Outstanding Contributions to Education" in 1989. After being appointed principal in 1990, she continued to teach her specialties to the upper classes. She was honored with the Bishop Lyons Award for Outstanding Leadership in Catholic Education by the Archdiocese of Washington in 2001.

She married Steve Suit in 1991 and shared his life with friends, camping and music. Steve generously supported her many hours attending to the school and students.

Her courage in battling cancer was an inspiration to all who knew her. From the time she was diagnosed in 1990, she openly accepted the challenges of the disease with grace and perseverance and was always willing to counsel others facing the disease. Her husband Steve was always at her side, supporting her as she faced each new challenge and was dedicated to caring for her through those several difficult recoveries. Her mentor and pastor, Fr. Martin Harris, worked steadfastly with her over many years to maintain the students' education while dealing with the several extended periods of cancer treatments.

Family will receive friends for Patricia's Life Celebration on Friday, January 25, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at St. John's Church, 43927 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Patricia's colleague and longtime friend, Fr. Ron Potts will conduct the service. Serving as pallbearers will be Chris, Michael, Glenn, Ronnie, Joe and Dan Thompson.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's School or St. John's Scholarship Fund, 43900 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.