On September 5th, a little lady with a big, big heart passed away at her beloved, historic Helena home with her husband and children at her side.
Pat was born in Butte on May 10, 1930 to Michael and Francis Ryan. She grew up next door to the Travonia mine as the daughter of a miner and was always very proud of her Butte heritage. She loved the town’s ethnicity and vibrancy and somehow navigated all of those years without ever drinking a beer or seeing many fights. She loved the Columbia Gardens where Thursday’s were Children’s Day when she and her friends would pack a lunch, catch the free bus from town, and spend the entire day on the rides there. She grew up at the bottom of one of the steepest hills in Butte and parlayed early tobogganing thrills into her enjoyment of her favorite Garden’s ride, the roller coaster. She had fond memories of dancing to the music of the big name big bands that played at her school proms in the Pavilion.
Like a page from a Hollywood script of that era, she fell in love with a young man that she met at a local ice cream parlor. Pat and Joe were married in 1949 and were rarely apart over their next 66 years together. From very modest beginnings, the life that they built together became the loving, nurturing foundation of their children’s lives and the gold standard for subsequent generations of the family.
She devoted her life to her family and was very active in all the activities in which the children participated. Her only job outside the home during the years when the children were growing up was as church secretary at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, a job that allowed her to always be home when her kids were. She volunteered as a leader in the Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and 4-H programs and was also a Sunday school teacher. Watching the family-centered, thoughtful, and unselfish way that she lived her life became a lifelong lesson to those in her family.
She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures the most, blue Montana skies and hot summer days; band concerts in the park and long outdoor walks; all-in celebration of the holidays and all time spent with her family. She also loved tending her gardens and lawn where she was an implacable foe of her nemesis, the dandelion. It was always entertaining to watch her bowl over the many years because you were never quite sure who was controlling momentum toward the foul line.
Throughout her life, she retained remarkably intact levels of the best qualities with which we all begin our lives. She was open, honest and modest. She believed in the inherent goodness of all people and was always surprised at bad behavior or intentions; and she retained a youthful playfulness that was particularly endearing to her family.
In her later years, she loved walking on the boulevard and engaging with each acquaintance and stranger that she met. Even into her mid-80s, she would routinely walk 20 to 30 miles a month. It is a great source of pride to her children when, as regularly happens, people around town recognize our name and remark about how nice or how much they like Pat and Joe.
Pat lived a full and rich life beyond anything she might have imagined as a young girl beginning life’s adventure. The love of her life was wholeheartedly devoted to her and her children remained in Helena so she was surrounded by her entire family almost all of her adult life. The set of friends met through the church early in their marriage became their lifelong and closest friends. Her parents never owned a car when she was growing up, but Pat and Joe traveled to the great cities of Europe; visited a cloud forest in Costa Rica; rode a gondola on the canals of Venice; visited the Holy Land and Great Pyramid; and, as a good Irish girl, she kissed the Blarney Stone.
The world was a kinder, more gentle place with her in it and she will be dearly missed; but her legacy has long been evident in the lives of the generations of her family. Pat is survived by her loving husband, Joe, son Dan, daughter Nancy (Jim) Mayer, grandchildren Scott Mayer of Plano, Texas and Katie (Jake) Conver of Billings and great grandsons Caleb and Eli Conver. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Tom.
A church service will be 11:30 a.m., Monday September 12th at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Avenue, with a reception to follow in the church parish hall. Special thanks are extended to caring neighbors, Dr. Skillman and St. Peter’s Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be made to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601or the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit below to offer condolences or to share a memory of Pat.
Tom Naegele says
Joe, Nancy & Danny
So very sorry for your loss. Pat was one in a million Mom’s to many of us kids. Her Special way of making me feel special & appreciated as we grew up & be came parents ourselves. I was blessed to see Pat & Joe at the last City Band concert at Memorial Parl about a month ago. She had her wonderful smile & charm that was Her signature of a Blessed Life. Prayers of Support for you all & Love of Your Mom. I am a better person for having the Sodor Family in my life.
Dave Van Nice says
Joe, Nancy (CA) and Danny
I’ll never forget Pat and my mom laughing until tears ran down their cheeks as they attempted to orchestrate our cub scout meetings. What a special lady! Thea and I send our condolences to the Sidor family.
Richard Van Nice says
As my brother Dave said Pat brought out smiles on a regular basis. My thoughts
of her will always bring a wonderful warmth. Hugs to the whole Sidor clan.
Linda Meadows says
Joe, Dan, and Nancy, oh the memories I have of our family descending upon yours every other summer when I was growing up! Aunt Pat would find places for us all to sleep, feed us, and entertain us, and always with a smile on her face! What a grand time we had with all of you. She will be greatly missed by everyone. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Joe and family
God Bless ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Duane Wright says
Dear Joe, I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your beloved Pat. She was just such a wonderful person to be with and I am sure that she will be missed by so many people. I am sorry to say that Sue and I will not be at her services since we are leaving he country tomorrow. Our prayers are with you and your family. Duane Wright
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Nancy- So sorry to hear of your mothers’ passing. Thinking of you. God Bless.
Marsha and Leon Belville
Janelle Fallan & Ken Dunham says
Dear Joe, Dan, and Nancy,
Reading Pat’s lovely obituary brought back so many memories of our days at St. Peter’s. We’ve been gone from Helena for more than 20 years, and I realize how much a part of everything Joe & Pat were. Yes, the world was a warmer place with Pat in it. All our best, Janelle & Ken
Valerie Raisch says
My sympathy. When I saw the picture of your beloved wife/mom/grandma, I immediately recognized that sweet face and pretty blue eyes from the 70’s when I sold Avon and she was one of my delightful customers. Now living in FL., I still remember MT. fondly and the wonderful people whose lives crossed my path. RIP dear lady and God bless you all.
Traci Swingley says
Dan,
God bless you and your family. Sending love and prayers. Your parents set a beautiful example and the writing of your mother’s obituary captures that perfectly. Wishing you peace at this time. Always, Traci Swingley
Diane says
Joe, Dan and Nancy
I was sorry to learn that Pat passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Deepest sympathy. Diane Richter Pedersen
Ruth Jones says
My Prayers are with you. Pat was a very big part of my life and I just looked up the pictures of the harvest balls and the Cocktail party on my 60th wedding anniversary we all went out to eat afterwards I feel so very fortunate to have had the privilege of being her friend / We were couple clubs , Pat was secretary Joe was Sunday school superintendent and I was one of the sunday school teachersI will always cherish the years we were friends and I have pictures to prove it.Lots of love and Lots of prayers
Ruth Jones says
I always have had a hard time ending a conversation when the people involved are very dear to me.