Patricia Ann Blando

Patricia Ann Blando, born July 27, 1927, died shortly before her 84th birthday surrounded by her family and prayer. Affectionately known as "Pat" to her family and friends and as "Mom" and "Grandma" to a lucky few, she passed away peacefully on July 26, 2011. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 29, at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kan., where the Rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30, at Cure of Ars, with burial following in Calvary Cemetery. Born to William and Vera Anderson, Pat was raised along with two older sisters in the Marlborough area of south Kansas City. She lived in the Kansas City area her entire life. She attended Paseo High School where she met her husband of 61 years, Emanuel "Manny" Blando. Two years ago they celebrated their 60th anniversary with a big family celebration. Together they raised four girls and five boys. Mom was a 100% stay a home Mom and Grandma. She enjoyed time with her grandchildren spending countless hours baby-sitting "as long as they all didn't show up at the same time!" She enjoyed reading and studying Catholic books and periodicals, playing bridge and tennis, bowling in her St. Thomas More ladies league, was a member of the Ladies of Charity of greater Kansas City and was always a devoted Royals fan. She was a past member of St. Peter's and St. Thomas More Catholic parishes. Mom was down to earth, loving, humorous, religious and a good listener. She had so much patience and a wonderful ear. She had a deep abiding Catholic Faith and prayed the rosary every night. She would pray until she knew everyone was home safe and sound. She was generous to a fault and happily sponsored many third world children and religious organizations. Mom taught us to love God, forgive people, and to recognize and respect the truth. She made a point to get to know the friends of each of her kids and always made everyone feel at home. She had a very special relationship with her grandchildren. She boasted 28 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Their relationship with grandma went beyond the norm because they all lived in KC most of their lives. She had a unique way of making them all feel cared for and important in a way normally reserved for adults. Patricia was preceded in death by her baby girl, Ann Marie, parents, William and Vera Anderson, and husband of 61 years, Emanuel Blando who died this time last year. She is survived by two sisters, Margret Folino of Redding, Calif., and Mary Lou Oxler, of Wichita, Kan.; her remaining eight children and their spouses, Mary Kay (Rich) Culp, Courtney (Steve) Williams, Connie (Gerry) Euston, John (Madeline), Bill (Elizabeth), Tom (Clare), Joe (Linda), Jim (Christen), 28 grandchildren, Christine (Danny) Lemmon, Kevin (Amy) Culp, Jessica, Jacquelyn, Jennifer and Jillian Williams, John (Jamie), Patrick (Kristin), Michael (fiance Leslie Ward), Stephen (Julie), Kathleen, and Andrew Euston, Kelly (Garvin), Cheung, Matthew and Amanda Blando, Billy and Maria Blando, Emanuel, Diana, Stuart and Gretchen Blando, Brian, Steven, Brandon and Lauren Blando, Ann Marie, Elaina, and Luke Blando; 12 great- grandchildren, Drew, Oliva, Ryan, Lilly and Aaron Lemmon; Josie, James Jack Jeorgia, Ella, Eli and Colin Euston. We feel fortunate that despite her physical problems that came and went her mind stayed sharp to the end. It was our experience that everyone who knew Mom felt it was a privilege. We, her family, certainly did! We thank God for giving her to us. We will miss you Mom - Grandma, so very, very much! Thank you to the staff at Brighton Gardens and Catholic Community Hospice. In honor of our Mom and her special love of babies, born and unborn, please honor her request that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to "Kansans for Life," PO Box 4448, Overland Park, KS, 66204.