Patricia, “Pat,” was born in Atlanta, GA on January 28, 1929 to Charles Joseph Hayes and Alma Smith Hayes. Her father's position with General Motors led the family across the Eastern U.S., eventually settling in Shelbyville, KY. She received her Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, with a concentration in dietetics and nutrition from Fontbonne College in St. Louis, MO. After graduation, Pat relocated to New Orleans, LA to begin an internship in dietetics at Charity Hospital. It was there that she met the young Internal Medicine intern C. Adrien Bodet, Jr. The handsome couple was married in Shelbyville, KY on October 6, 1952 and moved to Mobile, AL in 1955 where Pat raised seven children and, in time, became “Mama Pat” to the next generation and all who loved her.
Pat was a devout Catholic, serving our faith community as a Eucharistic Minister, a teacher of Confirmation preparation classes at St. Pius X, and a member of the Daughters of Mary at St. Ignatius. Additionally, she was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. She was an adjunct instructor of dietetics at Spring Hill College, served on the Auxiliary to the Medical Society of Mobile County, and was a Pink Lady volunteer at Providence Hospital.
Pat was a champion of Catholic study and the fine arts. Her advocacy of Catholic education has particularly benefited her parish and the Archdiocese. Her love of community ballet culminated with her support of Classical Ballet of Mobile.
A charming hostess, Pat wielded a quick wit, appreciated a good sense of humor, and could clear a mystic society dance floor with her show-stopping poise, style and grace. She loved boating and tennis, orchids and camellias, Great Danes and the Kentucky Derby. But above all, she fiercely loved God, Papa, and her family.
Pat was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Kathleen, and her husband and love of her life, C. Adrien Bodet, Jr, M.D. She is survived by her children: Adrien (Elaine), Joseph (Nancy), Jeanne Bodet Gund (Charles), Mark (Vicki), Reb (Anne), Cecilia Bodet Karr (Jon), and Angele Bodet Sandercock (Jeff). Mama Pat, the “Queen Bee”, is mourned by her 25 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Mary Edwards, Janice Jones and the staff of Helping Hands, Community Hospice, and Dauphin Way Assisted Living who attended to Mama Pat’s physical needs. Special thanks also to the devoted clergy from St.Ignatius and the Eucharistic Ministers, including Kay Rehm, Mary Ann Fesenmeier and many others, who attended to her spiritual needs.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, beginning with the Rosary at 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow in Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile, AL.
We remember with gratitude all that God has done through Pat’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Ignatius Building Fund or Classical Ballet of Mobile.
