Patti was born March 19, 1938 in Statesville, N.C. to James Franklin Echerd and Margaret Lentz Echerd. The family moved to Jacksonville Beach during WWII for Jim to work in the Jacksonville Shipyard. Patti graduated from Fletcher High School in 1956, and attended Florida State University for a year before marrying. She worked in the Florida Governor’s office until relocating to Washington, D.C. to work at the National Governor’s Conference. Her work particularly involved liaison with the States’ First Ladies and the national scene. She worked there for 16 years before remarrying and relocating with Charles Urquhart to Hartford, Conn. where she developed a wonderful relationship with her step-daughters Debora and Diann, and granddaughters Tonya and Kaitlyn. But Patti never lost her love of Florida and they relocated to Orange Park in 1993, and Patti’s mother joined her back in Florida late in her life. Patti was widowed in 2008. She met Bob Hales in 2010 and they have enjoyed family and travel in the ensuing years, especially cruises with family and fall foliage in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Patti is survived by her brother Mike Echerd and his wife Cindy of League City, Tx, and nephews Lee and James, Lee’s wife Kristin, and grandnieces Madeline, Charlotte, and Catherine. She has cousins Nancy Harris, Grace Dorsey, Tony Lentz, and Dianne Howren. She is preceded by husband Bob, who passed just seven days prior to her death.
Patti will be buried with Mom and Dad at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville, N.C. There will be a graveside service there, timing to be determined.
Arrangement by HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Rd, Middleburg, FL 32068.
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