GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews)(OCT. 6, 2025)–Bill Tourtual, a former resident of Gloucester City, has embarked on a heartfelt mission to honor the memory of Marion E. Patterson by caring for her gravesite since spring. Mrs. Patterson, a cherished member of the Second United Methodist Church at the corner of 8th and Division Streets, lived a remarkable life and passed away in 2018 at the age of 100. In her memory, she left a generous gift to the church, highlighting her commitment to the community.

Tourtual’s dedication to her gravesite reflects a deep sense of respect. He has spread five bags of rich topsoil and grass seed across her grave. His efforts paid off as new grass has started to sprout. He diligently waters it several times a week. Surrounding her final resting place is a charming picket fence that he constructed himself, along with a comforting bench thoughtfully placed nearby for visitors to pause and reflect.

Additionally, Tourtual meticulously scrubbed her tombstone, which had become so obscured by grime that her inscription was nearly indecipherable. His efforts have not only restored the site to its former dignity but also revitalized a place of remembrance.

Despite never having met Mrs. Patterson or knowing her family, Tourtual felt a profound calling to tend to her grave. “I never met Mrs. Patterson, but for some reason, I felt compelled to clean up her final resting place,” he shared, illustrating the deep connection he has forged with her memory through this act of kindness. Last spring, he also removed the weeds and ivy that had overrun the cemetery’s 8-foot cyclone fence near the railroad tracks.