Roger Maris was one of the greatest baseball players of all time, best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record with 61 homers in 1961.
But behind every great man, there is a great woman.
And for Roger Maris, that woman was Patricia Maris, his wife of 29 years and the mother of his six children.
In this article, we will take a look at the life and legacy of Patricia Maris, who was more than just a supportive spouse to the legendary slugger.
Who is Roger Maris Wife?
Patricia Maris was born Patricia Ann Carvell on March 21, 1935, in Gainesville, Florida.
She met Roger Maris when they were both students at Shanley High School in Fargo, North Dakota.
They fell in love and got married on October 13, 1956, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fargo.
Patricia was 21 and Roger was 22.
They raised their family in various cities where Roger played baseball, such as Cleveland, Kansas City, New York, and St. Louis.
Patricia was not just a devoted wife and mother, but also someone who liked playing golf and bridge with her friends.
Patricia’s strength shone through tough times.
She supported Roger when he faced challenges while chasing Babe Ruth’s record in 1961, dealing with negativity from fans, media, and even teammates.
When Roger retired in 1968 and felt lost, she was there for him.
In 1983, when he got cancer and later passed away in 1985, Patricia remained his rock.
Did Roger Maris Have Children?
Yes, Roger Maris had six children with his wife Patricia.
- Roger E. Maris Jr. (Born: July 12, 1957)Founder and proprietor of 61 Outfitters, a dynamic company catering to baseball, fishing, and hunting aficionados.
- Kevin J. Maris (Born: August 16, 1960)Former professional golfer turned dedicated baseball coach at Gainesville’s Oak Hall School, bringing his sporting expertise to the next generation.
- Randy R. Maris (Born: November 10, 1962)Thriving in the world of real estate and construction, Randy R. Maris is a skilled businessman shaping the urban landscape.
- Richard M. Maris (Born: April 12, 1964)A legal mind with a focus on personal injury cases, Richard M. Maris navigates the complexities of the law to bring justice to those in need.
- Sandra L. Maris (Born: June 16, 1966)Creating the heart of the family, Sandra L. Maris excels as a dedicated homemaker, infusing warmth into their Gainesville abode.
- Susan A. Maris (Born: August 15, 1968)
With a caring touch, Susan A. Maris serves as a compassionate nurse at Gainesville’s esteemed Shands Hospital, tending to the well-being of the community.
From entrepreneurship to athleticism, law to healthcare, the Maris family embodies a rich tapestry of talents that have contributed to their community and beyond.
Is Roger Maris Wife Still Alive?
Yes, Patricia Maris is still alive and doing well.
She is currently in her 80s and lives in Gainesville, Florida.
Dedicating herself to upholding Roger’s legacy, Patricia lends her unwavering support to causes concerning baseball and cancer research.
She participates wholeheartedly in the annual Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament held in Fargo, an event that raises substantial funds for the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center.
Beyond this, she frequents the Roger Maris Museum at West Acres Shopping Center in Fargo, showcasing a captivating array of memorabilia from Roger’s illustrious career and life.
Throughout the years, Patricia has taken part in various events commemorating Roger’s accomplishments and his indelible mark on baseball history.
Notably, in 1991, she graced the ceremony during which the New York Yankees retired Roger’s number 9 jersey and unveiled a plaque in his honor at Monument Park.
Adding to this, in 2017, she attended the event where Aaron Judge surpassed Roger’s American League single-season home run record with his 62nd home run of the year.
Did Roger Maris Wife Die?
Patricia Maris has not died yet. She is still alive as of August 2023.
However, her husband Roger Maris died on December 14, 1985, at the age of 51.
He died of lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system.
Roger was diagnosed with cancer in September 1983, after he noticed a lump on his neck while shaving.
He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Roger initially responded well to the treatments and went into remission in February 1984.
He resumed his normal activities and even played golf with President Gerald Ford in May 1984.
However, his cancer returned later that year and spread to other parts of his body. He underwent more treatments but they were unsuccessful.
He spent his last days at M.D. Anderson Hospital with his wife Patricia by his side. He died peacefully in his sleep on a Saturday morning.
Patricia Maris Obituary
Patricia Maris has not passed away yet, so there is no obituary for her.
Conclusion
Patricia Maris, the wife of the late baseball legend Roger Maris, is renowned for his groundbreaking achievement of setting a new MLB single-season home run record with 61 homers in 1961.
Patricia Maris, still alive as of August 2023, stands as a remarkable individual deserving profound recognition and admiration for her life and contributions.
If you enjoyed delving into the extraordinary lives of Roger and Patricia Maris and their remarkable family, you won’t want to miss the other captivating stories awaiting you on our blog.
Explore more inspiring tales that celebrate legacies, achievements, and the human spirit.
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