I lost my sister Patty and will forever miss her. We have been friends/ sisters since the moment we met at LAX on January 1988. I’m the years since we have had many adventures and fun times together. We traveled and spend time with our families.  I’m glad we got to spend this past summer together at your lake house and that I was able to help you through your battle with cancer. You have earned your wings so go rest in paradise my beautiful sister. I will miss you but I’m glad you are no longer suffering and in pain. Say hello to Mom,Dad and Ama for me. Look after us as you are our guardian. We love you! ❤️🌹🙏🏼✝️

I’m sending my heartfelt condolences to Patrice’s family and friends; the world has lost a wonderful person.  I met Patrice soon after I joined then-NPPD back in 2013 as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, and Patrice and I worked closely together over the years while wearing our respective Acquisition and Financial hats.  She taught me quite a bit, and I was impressed as she built NPPD’s Chief Acquisition Executive organization from scratch.  I remember sitting in meetings with her getting ready for an acquisition decision event, or any other important meeting for that matter, and she always had sharp, insightful questions to ask about various topics.  She was the consummate professional who cared so much for and stood up for her entire team.  I appreciated Patrice’s cheerful words and thoughtful advice as she shared the news about her battle with cancer and we talked about my own health struggles at the time.  I’m so sorry she lost her battle, but she’ll continue to be an inspiration for me.

Come to find out there’s word for females who are exceptionally close. That word is  Womance and through Patty, I learned what it meant to have friends for life .   

Plus, she had other friends who made whatever shenanigans we were up to even more memorable.  Patty often made funny faces  for the camera, 

There once was a group of Federal gal pals who did everything together.   Patty was one of the founding members and since she had a bachelorette pad near LAX hers was often THE place to gather for festivities

My condolence to the family.  May you find comfort in your memories during this difficult time. 



Sending thoughts and prayers to Patrice's family. She was a mentor to me and always very kind, compassionate, and full of positivity. I will truly miss her.

Being new to the government, way back when, Patrice was one of my supervisors and I truly loved working with her. She provided guidance and lots of laugh during our time at US-VISIT.   I will cherish memories of lunches and sharing cheesecake when we could sneak away from the office.   She always had a hug for me when we saw each other, and again the laughs.....Patrice you will be truly missed and always loved.

Always in my thoughts and heart!!
Stacy Armstead

My thoughts and prayers to the family.  Patrice was such a beautiful person and friend.  She will be missed by all who had the honor and pleasure to know her and call her "friend".  

Patrice,

We are all only here for a short time. 

And your time will be remembered by your wonderful, friendly, and yes, bubbly, personality. Your time will be remembered by your resolute protection of the United States as an Immigration Inspector.  Your time will be remembered by your diligence in improving immigration policy.  You of course led a whole bunch of dedicated people to bring about the world’s first, and largest, biometrics program after 9/11.  And you will be remembered for your tenacious (but fair) investment and program oversight.

Just to mention a few things you did in your short time here.

But I think you will be most remembered for your kind heart (and maybe all those 80’s rock stations). I miss you already.

I share and send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Patrice Ward. She was a lovely soul whom I enjoyed working with and learning from while here at NPPD and CISA.  Most of all Patrice will be remembered for her dedication, hard work, and her contagious wit.

Withe sincere regards,
Custrina P. Reeves

I only knew her a short time but she was such a nice person. My thoughts go out to her family. 

My thoughts are with Patrice's family during this time.  Patrice during a short work project supported me in more ways than she knew.  I told her once that I felt she was a mother to me during the times she would provide me advice and help me out behind the scenes.  She was an absolute wonderful woman, who no doubt had a major impact on me personally and professionally.  


I had the privilege of working with Patrice from a variety of posts over the years since the start of US-VISIT. She was a straight shooter, a dedicated public servant, a problem solver, and a wonderful colleague. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, but please know that the way she lived and served meant so much to those who knew her and absolutely made our country safer. 

Patrice was one of a kind, she was patient and she was kind.  

I will remember so many things about her, but one memory that comes up often, for me, is the gift of the most delicious apples (from NY, after she made a trip home).... they had a sweet and white as snow center ....  and will leave me scouring grocery stores and markets across America searching, in her honor.

Rest Easy, Patrice, you will certainly be missed by all those who knew you.
 
With love,
Adrienne Turner
 

Patrice was a force at US-VISIT and I admired her passion and determination to overcome obstacle. Because of Patrice, I was able to learn about incremental rollout and memorize the names of airports. Her boisterous laugh and incredible facial gestures will be missed. Sending my condolences to all of those lucky to have known her.

I worked with Patrice at US-VISIT and we remained friends after I transferred to another DHS office.  Patrice was one of the kindest, most generous and selfless people I have ever met.  She consistently performed kind and thoughtful acts for those around her, with no expectation of anything in return.  She was loved by many of us and she will be so missed.

Patrice, you are missed.  Working with you at NPPD, you kept me out of trouble and guided me with your years of experience and knowledge.  I am honored to have worked with you.  I am blessed to have had you as a friend and confidante who talked me off many a cliff with your warmth and humor and commiserated with me on the absurdities of work and life.  



I am so sorry to learn of Patrice's passing. We worked together at HQ INS in the 90s and I worked for her at US VISIT in the mid 2000s.  She could be tough as nails but tempered with a good heart.  I mourn her passing.

One of my favorite pictures of her.  (And she even had her wings back then).  🥰

Patrice worked for me on my Inspections Operations Team at INS HQ.  She was so smart and capable! I relied on her advice, even if it was something I didn’t want to particularly hear or know.  She was not afraid to speak truth to power, just one of the many reasons I enjoyed working with her. She will be missed.

Donna Kay Barnes

You have angels up there waiting for you. May you Rest In Peace lovely lady. God bless ❤️

OBITUARY

Patrice Lynne Ward

June 3, 1958 – December 26, 2022

Murphy Funeral Homes

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