I'm praying for God's comfort and peace over the family.  As a friend of Antonio, I can only imagine how amazing Ms. Patricia must have been given how kind Antonio.  May God continue to bless the family and give you all peace as you mourn such a precious loss and try to celebrate her beautiful life.

I’m deeply sorry for your loss. It seemed like she was An amazing wife and mother. Me and my family will be praying for you all! - With Love, Langston and Brittany Toxey and Whitney Mugula

Honor to work with her for two years at Merritt while I was also in grad school as well. The kids was always excited seeing her and if they felt down, she always find a way to cheer them up!  Thanks for the memories!

An afternoon sipping wine at Potomac Point Winery

Which dessert is mine? Lunch at Basilico's

Memories: Patty and Corrine after brunch at The Secret Garden

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Miss Patty was such a caring and kind presence in our mornings, always there with a smile and a helping hand. In fact, she would often help me gather the shoes that my daughter would take off in the car and place them back on her feet as we rushed to get her to the bus on time. She would always provide words of encouragement when I arrived flustered. I would leave school knowing that my children were starting their day feeling safe and welcomed because of Miss Patty's kindness. Her warmth and consistency meant more to our family than words can express. 

She will always be remembered with gratitude and love.
-Sam, Jackie, Avery, Alex and Aiden Burgwald

I found this photo in my files. It is from 1998. Patty with Scott, their son Antonio, and brand new baby Samantha. Children and family in all forms meant everything to her. God bless them as they move forward. Her spirit will be with you always.

I met Patty in Ann Arbor (U. Mich) in 1987. This was in our basement office in the Cooley building, I think it was her birthday. Such wonderful memories. I will miss you forever. Dorothy

Part 2
The most Ms. Patty invention was "sticker Fridays" which kids from both the yellow and red line loved and looked forward to each week. She always had multiple options available for them to pick from and was eager to put them on the kids wherever they chose before she took them off to class. It was an almost everyday occurrence that at least one child would only want to go in with Ms. Patty even though other runners were available.  She had such a following!Rain or shine, on hot and humid days and freezing cold days, Patty was right there waiting to greet the Merritt kids and parents and serve them.  She was reliable, solid, and very committed to her job. She made a real difference to so many people.Patty and I spent many hours waiting for children together on the yellow line and we had plenty of time to talk during down times. We had a lot of conversations but what sticks out to me most is how much she loved her kids and how proud she was of them. She was never happier than when you were all together as a family, when Anthony was coming over or meeting her for dinner, or when she was going to help Samantha move into a new place wherever the Navy took her. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know her legacy will not soon be forgotten at Merritt, and I'm sure in so many other places and ways with all who knew and loved her.

Sorry this is so long. I wrote it on a word document and transferred it over and it was too long for one post!

Part 1
I worked with Patty on the yellow line (on and off) for three years at Merritt. She was an ever present fixture at the bottom of the ramp standing by the desk waiting for kids each and every morning. She faithfully arrived and set up her space not just on time, but even before she had to be, and was always ready for the early birds, often taking them a few minutes before 6:45 a.m. and walking around with them because she knew parents had to get to work. She knew every car and every kid and announced them by name as they came in. She greeted parents and children with a smile and was quick to run out and help someone with multiple kids or a big armload of stuff.  She hated nothing more than making parents wait so she bustled kids to class quickly and was always back in a flash. She worked hard to make sure the line was always covered and there would be someone to take the next arrival in her absence. Patty understood how valuable time was to a working parent and she did all she could to make everything easy and efficient for them.  Patty loved the kids and talked to them non-stop as she escorted or carried them to class. She'd notice something new they were wearing, talk about the weather, point out the various things along the way (the tiger, the apple tree, the garden, etc.) and  encourage them to have a good day as she popped them in the door to their teacher. She was a pro at taking multiple kids, all their backpacks, nap mats, diapers, and such while still navigating them and the gate. Patty took so much pleasure in being welcoming to the families, not just with her morning greetings, but by being ready with tissues, bandaids, lost and found items, seasonal decorations, and small toys to help distract our little friends who had a hard time at drop off.  My favorite thing was the way she put the ducks out all along the path on rainy days for the kids to find.

Patty, was my maid of honor. This is her at my bridal shower. Look at that smile. She radiates so much love. She was always like this. Such a beautiful person inside and out.

I think Patty was happiest when around children. She had such a huge heart for little children. This is her with my daughter.

Ms. Patty will always hold a special place in our hearts. Her warm smile and cheerful spirit made every daycare drop-off brighter and easier. She had a wonderful way of making our son Maxwell feel safe, welcomed, and loved. He truly adored her, and we will always be grateful for the kindness and joy she shared with him and so many others. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Ms. Lopez was so nice and always had a smile on her face. She had been at the school when Sita was a toddler and continued to give her stickers in K4 and Kindergarten on Fridays because she knew she loved them and looked forward to them each week.  We looked forward to seeing her daily even though we no longer used the line she stood at in the mornings. Her smile and presence will be dearly missed. May she rest in peace and we wish her family and friends find peace in her loving memory. 

Xoxo,
Neha, Tejas,  & Sita

Our condolences to the family of Mrs. Lopez.  She was the first face we would see at Merritt every morning and was always smiling with a kind word.  It set the mood for our entire day afterward and she will be missed dearly.  She and her family are in our prayers. 

Lonika, Saurav, Shivam, Nyra, Vishant

I’m so sad to hear of Ms. Patty’s passing. My daughter, Cora, was always  happy to see her at drop off each morning, and Ms. Patty always had the brightest smile (and stickers on Fridays!). 
She was the first person we saw each morning, and I can’t explain it, but she always made me feel at peace leaving my daughter each day. I didn’t know why she stopped working at Merritt awhile back, but I knew we missed her. She will always hold a special place in my heart.

I will always remember Patty's warm smile as she escorted students through the hallways at Merritt Academy.  What a remarkable woman to have achieved so much as a scholar and academic.  I admire her commitment to education and appreciate that she came to share her deep love of learning with our students.

How lucky for our community that Patty chose to bring her warmth and passion for working with children to Merritt Academy, where her impact will endure for many years to come, in the many lives she touched during her tenure with us.  Sending peace and sympathy to her family and all those who loved and knew Patty.

So sorry to hear about Patty. She was such a Great person. I met her at my Father’s house when she and Scott came to visit. They were such good people. It was very nice to see her then. And I have great memories of them both. Rest in peace girl. Praying for all the Family. God Bless.

Scott, Antonio, Samantha, David  and Jimmy I’m in shock of Tricia’s passing. My heartfelt condolences 
Tricia I remember living with your mom and dad when you were born and growing up to be a strong young woman.  I’m sorry we never reconnected once you moved to Virginia but you were never forgotten.  
Rest in peace.

Tia  Ralph

Patty taking Matt and Evan on a hike. Patty served as their nanny in 1992 while she was working on her PhD. She was divine, she was a blessing, she was an angel from her first step into our home in Clayton,  CA. God bless her!

OBITUARY

Patricia Lopez

February 28, 1964 – January 19, 2026

Demaine Funeral Home – Fairfax

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