Patricia Newsom

Patricia H. Newsom PORTSMOUTH - Patricia Hernansky Newsom, widow of former "Tonight Show" saxophonist Tommy Newsom, died Sept. 22, 2009, at Harbor's Edge in Norfolk. She was 81 years old. Besides her husband of 50 years, she was predeceased by her son, Mark. She is survived by her daughter, Candy Newsom of Teaneck, N.J. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sarah N. Newsom of Suffolk, and her nieces and nephews: James H. Newsom III, his wife Gerri and their children of Norfolk, Mary Margaret McGinnis and her husband Peter of Cortland, N.Y., Thomas N. Newsom, his wife Leigh and their children of Fort Collins, Colo., Martha N. Smith, her husband Harvey and their children of Mechanicsville. Pat was born in Uniontown, Pa., on May 27, 1928, to Matthew and Anna Hernansky. She was married to Tommy in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 31, 1957. The couple resided in New Jersey with their children until "The Tonight Show" moved to California in 1972, where they lived until retiring to Portsmouth in 1995. Pat will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and aunt who relished her family and her close friendships. A memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 500 Court St., Portsmouth. The Rev. Sue Crommelin will be the celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tidewater Winds, 9625 Granby St., No. 205, Norfolk, VA 23503; or to the World Wildlife Fund, P.O. Box 97180, Washington, DC 20090. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.