Born to Frank Cyrus Blood and Erma Eliza (Baxter) Blood in American Fork, September 29, 1943.
Pat passed away peacefully on August 16th in her home in Salt Lake City. She was 82 years old. Her career was dedicated to early childhood education through the Head Start program, where she found purpose in helping children learn, grow, and thrive. After retirement, she became an active part of the Red Hat Society, where she enjoyed good company, new adventures, and the friendships she made along the way.
She especially enjoyed the simple pleasures of a peaceful morning—sipping her coffee, nibbling on an English muffin. She especially loved the sight of hummingbirds and dragonflies, finding joy and wonder in the small, beautiful, magical moments nature offered each day.
She was soft-spoken and kind, with a warm heart and a smile she freely shared with everyone around her. A true social butterfly, she had a way of making people feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for. She was a loyal friend, always ready with a good laugh, a touch of humor when things felt stressful, or the advice you needed to hear. Her compassion extended to people and animals alike, and her love for both was evident in the way she lived her life. She gave so much of herself to those around her, and we hope she knew—and that you always remember—just how deeply she was loved.
In mom’s words, “Well, it happened…life’s final solo event. Other than for a few potholes and unplanned left turns, life turned out for the best. For those of you who called me a friend, thank you. Next time you have a drink or bunco game, live your life to its fullest.”
She is survived by her 5 kids Wendy Jo Moore (Brad Moore), Michael Lynn Cunningham, Stacey Cunningham (Richard R Hughes), Angela Byrnes, Jen Byrnes (Jason Cleverley), her grandchildren Desiree Howard (Chase Howard), Sydney Houghton (Jordan Houghton), Aidan Joseph Baldzicki, Braden Alan Garcia, Jensen Bailey Garcia, and her great grandchildren, Pacey James Houghton, Mila Jo Houghton, Demi Christine Howard, and Jack Haze Howard. And her nieces Amy Antonini, April Black, and Arianne Newton.
Predeceased in death by her brother, Frank C Blood Friberg, her parents Erma (Blood) Baxter, Frank Cyrus Blood, and her husband’s Pat Cunningham and Frank P Byrnes.
A Celebration of Pat’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 29th from 3:00-5:00pm at Starks Funeral Parlor 3651 S 900 E, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, please bring yourself, a good story, a favorite memory, or simply a smile. If she touched your life, please honor her by passing a little kindness along to someone else. It’s a simple way to celebrate the kind of person she was and the love she gave so freely.
