She is survived by her husband, Mac, of 48 years and children, Tina A. Balod, Vicki Jo Hilton and husband Michael, and Michael J. Balod and wife, Megan. Patty was also a beloved grandmother to Justin Goode, MacKenzie and Colbin Hilton, and Major Balod. Besides her immediate family, Patty leaves behind her sister, Judi Welch; niece and brother-in-law Kristan and Bill Drewes; great niece, Tatum Balod Appelt; brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Daryl Balod; nephews and niece-in-law, Zachary Balod, Andrew Balod, and Mitchell and Kendra Balod.
Her husband’s military career took Patty to the corners of the world from witnessing the purity and boundless beauty of the Alaskan Frontier; the breathtaking freshness of an evening storm in the deserts of El Paso, Texas; and the simple charm of walking on age-old cobblestone in quaint German towns. Patty cherished the love of exciting new places and the people she met. On the home front, Patty was a devoted mother first and foremost. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She even had an extended group she called her “adopted kids.” All grown now, but as young adults, she helped nourish and rear them through their college days. To this day, they continue to call her “Mom.” She cherished that title. Patty especially loved her role as “Grandma” to her grandkids. She could never have enough visits. Watching them grow, road trips, sporting events, dance recitals, birthdays, holidays, and drop-in visits would be her priority and she would always find the time to be included in their lives. Her exuberance to love, share, meet, and make new friends was her strength. Even in the waning days of her hospitalization and chemo treatments, she was always the engaging soul. Patty disliked formality and had her doctors, physical therapists, nurses, and care givers call her by her first name. “Please call me, Patty,” she would often smile and remind them. Her philosophy was always to show kindness, love, and respect. All of which she received in return.
Please join us in Celebrating Her Life on Sunday, March 17, 2019; the family will receive friends between the hours of 1:00 and 2:00 pm at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, located at 2551 N. Armistead Avenue with a Celebration of Life service to follow. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. at a later date
