Judith Ann “Judy” Patla, 84, of Arab, Alabama unexpectedly went to be with the Lord from complications during surgery on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.
Judith Patla, 84, passed away on Jan. 4.
Born in Darien on Dec. 10, 1939, Judy was blessed to have many roles in life, to include being a loving wife, an adoring mother, an excitable grandmother, a firecracker sister, a caring daughter, and a dependable friend.
She spent most of her childhood in Connecticut, where she enjoyed many adventures with her youthful friends as a self-proclaimed “tomboy” and “leader of the pack.” As she grew into adulthood, she had a strong desire to serve her country, but to also pay for her education, so she chose to serve as a U.S. Army nurse.
It was after only a few years into her Army career that she met Norbert, her future husband and a U.S. Army aviator, which eventually led her to volunteer for a tour in Vietnam. As she ended her time in Vietnam, Judy and Norbert decided to grow their family, which led to their first of three children and ended her honorable U.S. military career.
To know Judy was to love Judy. She was truly the life of every party, always the first one the dance floor and last to leave it, never knowing a stranger, or being in too big of a hurry to stop and have a conversation. Usually, these conversations consisted of a warm smile, questions about their day, and sharing pictures of her family as she spoke about how proud she was of her kids and grandchildren.
Another wonderful passion of Judy was her love for all of God’s creations. She devoted her life, time, and energy to doing everything in her power to be an advocate for all animals and supported many charities in organizations to help protect animals.
Many dogs, cats, horses, hamsters, rabbits, and possibly a turtle or two knew her love. And yes, she was the one who would stop on the road to help a turtle get to the other side.
Judy was preceded in death by her father, Henry; her dedicated mother, Dorothy; and all her siblings: Paul, Henry, Bunny, Nancy and Ronald. She is survived by her loving husband, Norbert Patla; her adoring children: Jonathan Patla, Jennifer Patla and Jason Patla; as well as her four grandchildren: Robert, James, Ashlynn and Kaili.
A Memorial Mass for Judy was held Jan. 13, 2024, at St. William Catholic Church, in Guntersville, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ASPCA in Judy’s name.
— an obituary from Laughlin Service Funeral Home & Crematory, where online condolences may be left