Patricia Mae DiVitale

Patricia “Patty” Mae DiVitale, our sweet and beautiful wife, mom, grandma, mema, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully and returned to her heavenly father on Tuesday, December 18th at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 76. We are so grateful that her last days were filled with love, laughter, memories and of course tears. She was able to say goodbye to her family members and friends as they surrounded her and took care of her daily until the last minute. Patty’s loving husband Joe of 50 plus years was right by her side throughout it all as he always had been.

Patty was born on a Monday, September 28th 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the LDS Hospital to Lawrence and Beverly Arthur. Her father was shipped out for WWII as a soldier in the United States Army’s 96th Infantry Battalion, Field Artillery Unit the day before she was born and did not return home until she was three years old.

Patty grew up in Southern California, in  Norwalk and Whittier. She grew up with her younger sister Claudia and younger brother Bill. Patty graduated California High School in Whittier, CA. in 1960. After high school she began working at Sackett and Peters and Grants Five and Dime.

Patty met and married the love of her life Joseph DiVitale. She moved to Burbank, California to begin her life with Joe. Patty gave birth to 6 beautiful children in 12 years all before she turned 30! 4 girls and 2 boys.

In 1968 Patty started working at the studio where the movie “Charro” starring Elvis Presley was being filmed. She was pregnant with their first son.  When Elvis would see her in the office he would smile, touch her tummy and say; “Pretty little Mama”.

Patty and Joe raised their family in Southern California in the San Fernando Valley. Patty was a homemaker and Joe was an Emmy Award Winning Sound Effects Editor in Hollywood. As a stay at home mom Patty loved raising her children and being there for their various school activities and active social lives. They loved to take their family camping, fishing and to the beach where she would build her sandcastles. Patty loved to throw big parties in their home for all of life's celebrations and events. She always loved to prepare big meals and enjoyed always having her home full of family, friends and even her childrens childhood friends. Her home was also filled with music and her singing to all of her favorites. She always made Christmas so wonderful and abundant as it was her favorite holiday. You would also often see her ear attached to the telephone with a 30 ft. cord for hours talking to one of her children, family or friends. She was a mentor, a friend, and confidant always there for all to lean on her and share her advice and wisdom with.

Patty was an excellent writer and has prepared many eulogies, speeches and talks on behalf of her family. Patty even dabbled in Hollywood and wrote a script for an episode of the television series “BJ and the Bear” back in the late 70’s a show Joe was a Sound Effects Editor on.

In 1984 Patty started a business called Host A Guest. In which she organized, incorporated and ran. It provided accommodations for out of country guests attending the 1984 olympic events in Los Angeles. She was so proud and excited of her new venture and what she could accomplish.

Patty and Joe loved traveling, camping and taking cruises. Spending time with their large family and groups of friends. Celebrating life's events is what made them happy.

In the summer of 1995 Patty decided to go back to work for the first time since 1968. She became a nanny to a sweet little girl. In 1997 Patty was offered a job in the IT Department of Wellpoint/Blue Cross, in California. She excelled at her job and moved to a Branch Manager position. She was surprised and proud of herself for what she could accomplish being back in the workforce at her age.

In 2008 Patty and Joe retired and moved to St. George, Utah. The state she was born in! They bought a huge home so that it was big enough for family and friends to stay and visit. Their home backs up to the beautiful red rocks that the area is known for. She spent the first few years decorating and buying new furniture for the whole house in red! They loved the years spent there, going to plays and concerts. Enjoying the beautiful outdoors and having friends and family come visit.  

Patty was a wonderful cook and would love to see the look on the faces of those who tasted her food.  She won first place many times and many years at her wards chili cook offs. She loved to go shopping for purses and shoes (she even has a room in her home called the “shoe room”.  The color red is her favorite. She was an excellent poker player and would play often in her earlier years with family and friends. She loved playing bunco with her daughters. She was an avid reader. Most of all she loved spending time with her husband and family.  

Patty and Joe were married in the Los Angeles California Temple in 1997. Patty was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She held many callings. Being the Relief Society President was one of her favorites. Patty delighted in preparing and planning relief society birthday parties and Christmas activities for her ward. Patty was a faithful visiting teacher. Patty and Joe also loved being part of their “Empty Nesters” group for family home evenings. She so much enjoyed all of her callings and loved her church family.  

Patty also had to face a great deal of physical challenges throughout her life. She survived many surgeries and diseases and lived most of her life in chronic pain that she had to endure to the end.

Patty is survived by her husband Joe. 6 children, Kim, Karri, Wendy, Joey, Jody and Gino. 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Her sister Claudia, Her brother Bill, plus many nieces and nephews.

Patty was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Arthur. Her mother, Beverly Arthur, her son-in-law, Mark Cohen, Her sister-in-law, Bea “Sugar” Dennis, Her mother-in-law, Bea DiVitale, and father-in-law, Joseph DiVitale.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Alpha Home Health and Hospice nurses, Ashley, Janice and Theresa. We can not thank you enough for your loving care. Hughes Mortuary, Jimmie, Jacee and Tony for your professionalism and tender care. Dixie Regional Medical Center doctors and staff for your great care. Patty’s Bishop Jordan Merrill and the Relief Society from Bloomington 3rd ward for all of your compassion and help.  

A celebration of her beautiful life will be held on Saturday, December 29th 2018 at 3:30 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 3519 Manzanita Road, St. George, UT 84790