Obituary: Patricia D. Edwards, 85, Longtime Stamford Resident

Courtesy of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home

Patricia Ditta Edwards was born in 1938 in Jamaica, West Indies, to Rosetta Edwards and Patrick Douse. She was the 5th of 7 siblings and survived by her three sisters, Hyacinth, Eudel, and Adassa. She migrated to the United States in 1973 and made Stamford, CT, her lifelong home.

Patricia worked at St. Joseph Hospital as a nurse's aide for most of her career, along with many other jobs focused on helping others. She adored working with kids and enjoyed being a nanny for families. Those families ultimately became an extension of her own family. Family friends adopted Patricia as their Mom and, in fact, called her Mom. Patricia relished being a Mom to many. She took that role very seriously and doted on each person, embracing them as one of her own. She had many nicknames: Miss P., Grammy P., Mamma B., Patty Cakes, Auntie Popsi, Gigi, and more. All those names made her smile.

Patricia loved cooking, reggae music, visiting Martha's Vineyard, riding the city bus around Stamford, and, above all, her family and friends. Patricia was known by many around Stamford. She would often visit her favorite store, Macy's, and purchase items for loved ones. Again, the salespeople knew her by her friendly face and smile. She was a woman of God and taught her children to have faith, cook good meals, keep a clean house, and love family.

Patricia was a great cook. She was famous for her breaded boneless chicken breast, rice and peas, and Thanksgiving Turkey dinner. Patricia had some favorite sayings that have carried through to the generations. One example is the cheapest is the dearest, meaning when you tried to cut corners, it would translate to more expenses when you thought you were saving money.

On February 11, 2024, Patricia went home to be with the Lord. She is survived by all her children: Vivene (Joslyn), Alrick, Carol (Steve), Novlett (Durval), Michelle (Jason), and Simone (Stephen). Her grandchildren include Tasha (Luke), Ayanna (Jeff), Nakalia, Alrick Jr, Tsahi, Jaire, Jordan, Nicole, Nicholas (Saradia), and Millie. Her great-grandchildren are Brianna, Damani, Jaheim, Zari Leigh, Malcolm, Devin, Ava, Ayden, Avery, and Adrian. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews whom she deeply cherished and loved.

The funeral service will be held at Canaan Institutional Baptist Church on Saturday, February 24, 2024, beginning at 11 AM, followed by a repast at Canaan Institutional Baptist Church, 31 Concord Street, Norwalk, CT 06854.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association in Patricia's name. We would love for you to join the family in celebrating Patricia's life in October 2024 at the Walk to End Alzheimer's Walk at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, CT. For those wanting to participate, please notify the family of your interest and find sign-up instructions at act.alz.org. Look for Team Patty Cakes.

Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home , Stamford, CT (203)-359-9999. To send expression of love and sympathy to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com.