Patricia Gallegos Delgado

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend, Patricia Gallegos Delgado.

She was called home to be with our dad (Mario) and into the arms of the Lord, on March 24, 2025, at the tender age of 71. Patricia, also known as Pat, fought a valiant fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) for 9 years; giving it her all with such Strength, Courage, and Positivity. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family and beloved cat “Gato”, during her homecoming celebration. In her final moments, she had a smile on her face while looking at a photograph of her resting her head on her husband’s shoulder, hand-over-hand.

Pat was born on July 26, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Manuel and Frances Gallegos. She was the second to youngest child of 8 children. Pat came from a large and loving family; a bloodline of Strong and Independent women. She was raised by her mom Frances, who was a superhero of a single parent to seven daughters and one brother. All siblings inherited that wonderful trait of being Strong.

Pat was the first member of the family to attend college. She received a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from the University of Utah, where she was very active in the Chicano Student Association. As a member, Pat was active in many social, political, and community events. She was a member of many community organizations, including S.O.C.I.O (Spanish – Speaking Organization for Community, Integrity, and Opportunity). Pat loved to include others in expanding their life experiences and reaching their full potential. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader and strongest supporter!

Pat met the love of her life and beloved husband, Mario Villalvazo Delgado. They married in Salt Lake City, Utah, and had three amazing children; Mario Jr., Greg, and Sara. She was so proud of each of them.
Pat dedicatedly worked for the Office of Recovery Services for over 30 years before retiring, all while serving honorably for our Country in the United States Military as an E7 Sergeant First Class in the Army National Guard for 32 years. During her military career, she served several tours of duty overseas. She was deployed to Afghanistan, Kuwait, Guantanamo Bay, and Iraq. She specialized in Military Intelligence and was an Interrogator. Pat spoke several different languages to include English, Spanish, Russian, and Arabic. She was a true epitome of a war hero and was often viewed as an unsung hero. Pat sacrificed so much for her family and worked extremely hard to make sure her family was well taken care of and always made sure her family wouldn’t go without. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her family. She even sponsored a child from India. That was the heart and soul that Pat displayed.

Pat leaves behind her adoring children, Mario Jr., Greg (Erica), and Sara (Chandler); Sisters Ruth Ramirez; Hilda Ortega; Lydia Martinez; Mary Espinoza; and Yvonne also known as (Punky) (Craig) Hincks; and Brother Manuel (Marilyn) Gallegos; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also survived by her greatest love of all, her pride and joy, the reason she fought so hard, her (3) beautiful Grandchildren, Leo, Holden, and Bonnie Mei. In addition, Pat also leaves behind numerous close-knit friends that have been lifelong friends of hers. Pat is preceded in death by her beloved husband Mario, Mother Frances, Father Manuel, Sister Annabelle, niece, nephews, brothers-in-law, and dog “Cholula”.

Pat was an adventurous person with a keen spirit. She was always on the go and always on a mission to learn new things. If she wasn’t learning something, she’d be out there helping others. Her role as a mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt is lovely emphasized by her unconditional love, strength, positivity, and generosity that not only extended to her entire family and friends, but with everyone who was blessed to have known her. She left a mark on the world and will be deeply missed. She will live on through the hearts of her beloved children. Her motto was to be positive, never give up, live happily, forgive easily, and be kind. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for you, and was always so thoughtful and thankful throughout life, up until the very end, always saying “Thank you!” with a beautiful smile on her face.

A special thank you for all the care teams members who cared for her throughout the years. She met many friends and they always came to visit Pat, even on their days off. Another special thanks to all the family and friends who visited her routinely. These visits were extremely important to her and she looked forward to each of them. She always brought family together.

Mom, continue your love of dancing with dad once again. Together you both were always the best dancers on the dance floor. May your spirit find eternal peace and happiness with dad. We love you mom and will miss you dearly.

A vigil will be held on April 8, 2025 from 6pm – 8pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, where a recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on April 9, 2025 at 11:00am also at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave. “T” Street, Salt Lake City.