Mary Patricia Wood Darby

Growing up in rural northern Alabama, Pat loved all living things. She loved gardening and always had blooming flowers and plants around her. She planted seeds of love everywhere she went and nurtured and cared for those around her. Pat approached her life in this same manner. As a young teacher, Pat’s energy inspired her students helping them to reach their highest potential. In 1967 she met her loving husband, Ted, and together they started a beautiful 50 year marriage, surrounded by family, blessed with many lasting and nurturing friendships while always committed to serving and helping their community.

Pat and Ted moved to Plano in 1969 where they started and raised a family. Through these 47 years Pat has been surrounded by many friends and active in numerous community activities. The love and inspiration Pat gave to others was endless. When she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her positive attitude, steadfast faith and fierce will were always on display throughout the many ups and downs of her 12 year fight. Pat never let her illness get in the way of living her life. She and Ted traveled the world with dear friends. Pat was a supportive, dedicated and fun “Grammie” to six grandchildren. She brought music into their lives, grilled her famous hotdogs, sang songs, played games and shared a multitude of lessons and giggles. She introduced them to her love of music and it has and will stay with them always. Pat’s zest for life was present every minute along the way.

Ask around and you will hear many a story from Pat’s family and friends about her tenacious spirit and “can do” attitude driving positive change in our Plano community. There are countless stories from people whose lives were changed by her kindness. Hers was truly a beautiful example of a life well lived. From new acquaintances, old friends, fellow volunteers, even “big-wig” politicians, one and all responded to her gentle, caring approach to build a better world.

Pat was always impeccably dressed and passed on her grace, style and determination to her three daughters. Always witty, charming, loving but firm and supportive to everyone she met she inspired them all to be the best they could be. Her personal interest in helping others transformed lives and was a celebration of the human spirit. Pat is survived by her husband Ted, sister-in-law Dian Dow; her daughter and son-in-law Tracy and Chuck Southard, daughter and son-in-law Dawn and John Gall; daughter Wendy Mullins; nephew Cary and Linda Wood; nephew Omar and Suzanne Newman and son Trevor, and her six grandchildren Ted, Travis, Darby, Emma Cate, Drake and Claire.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Pat Darby Hope Garden, P.O Box 200038, Arlington, TX 76006-9946 or at www.TexasHealth.org/Darby-Tribute-Fund. The Pat Darby Hope Garden at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano has been created in honor of a beloved individual who has served the Plano community for over 45 years. It is a symbol of hope and renewal and a fitting tribute to Pat’s strength and faith.