Patria Reyes Malto

Patria Reyes Malto, aged 79, died on March 7, 2021 at home in Grand Blanc, Michigan, after a brief, but valiant, struggle with cancer. Patria was born March 12, 1941, in the Reyes family home in Bongabon, Oriental Mindoro, in the Philippines. She was the daughter of Igmedio and Jovita Reyes and was the second eldest of their seven children. She spent her youth immersed in family life as a dutiful daughter and attentive older sister to her younger brothers. Patria also worked in the family bakery that was her namesake, Patria’s Bakery. In school, her passions were history and literature—her hatred for mathematics was visceral.

Patria left the province to go to college at Philippine Women’s University in Manila, where she earned a degree in social work. Ever the teetotaler, but always faithful friend, she served as the lookout for her rule-breaking, wine-loving girlfriends in the college dorm.

While working on her brother’s political campaign, she met her future husband, Ron Malto, who was a practicing physician in town. They were married on Valentine’s Day 1968. Ron eventually left the Philippines for postgraduate medical training. Patria soon followed and left a comfortable life filled with maids and domestic helpers, who were always on beck and call, for the modest lifestyle of a medical resident’s wife. For the first time, her household chores were for her to do.

In 1977, at the age of 36, Patria learned to drive. For the first time in her life, she had the freedom to go anywhere she pleased and whenever she wanted.

Patria was a devoted mother to her two children, 12 dogs, 11 cats, and 1 loquacious African grey parrot (not at the same time). Her love for animals extended to feeding the fish in the family’s pond and the deer and turkey that wandered the property. Wild animals never had it so good.

Fifteen years ago, Patria was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, a dreadful disease. As the disease progressed, she forgot many things, but she never forgot to say “I love you” at the end of every phone call. Eventually, lung cancer claimed her life; and in her last hours, she was surrounded by close family.

Patria is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Dr. Ron Malto; their two children and their spouses, Jennifer and Edwin Brown and Patrick and Kaitlyn Malto; her three grandchildren, Jared Malto, Aureliana Brown, and Carina Brown; her sister, Sonia Mayor; and her five brothers, Pedrito Reyes, Nestor Reyes, Igmedio Reyes, Edward Reyes, and Caesar Reyes.

Visitation is scheduled at 10 am on Saturday, March 13, at Holy Family Church in Grand Blanc, to be followed by her funeral Mass. Father Le will officiate. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to Pawlanthropyinc.org, Alzheimer's Association or American Cancer Society in memory of Patria.