Patricia Panos Hodges

Patricia “Patty Jean” Panos Hodges, 70, of Birdsboro, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Born in Albany NY, Patty Jean was the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth “Betty” (Esopi) Panos. She was preceded by her beloved husband Alan Hodges and cherished brother Bruce Panos.

Patty led her life surrounded by a loving extended family.  She is survived by her niece Rose (Michael) Blinn, as well as her great-niece and great-nephew. Aunt Irene and Uncle Fred Wostbrock, and family, Cousins Carol Panos (Tom) Baker, and Carmen “Sonny” (Theresa) Paigo. Elmer Lanci, and a number of Florida cousins, Sister in Law, Pamela Panos, Mother-in-law Carolyn Gay Hodges, and Sister-in-Law Cathy Jo (Mark) Rogers.

Patty Jean graduated from Columbia High School in East Greenbush NY.  She worked in hospitality for many years starting at the Panos family’s Burden Lake Inn and Highway Restaurant, and later at the American Legion Melvin Roads Post 1231, and Shop and Save’s well-known bakery department. Patty was a fabulous cake decorator and candy maker and served the community for many years providing special-occasion and wedding cakes, handmade Easter baskets, and holiday treats.

Patty Jean’s true joie de vivre was entertaining and cooking for family and friends. This included her legendary dinner parties, including, of course, exceptional desserts. There wasn’t a recipe that she couldn’t master. A visit to Patty and Alan’s house always involved excellent food! Patty loved to participate in the monthly gatherings of the Valley Forge Black Pots, where she whipped up amazing meals in a traditional Dutch Oven over charcoal. She and Alan enjoyed traveling, especially if it included a trip to the casino or a famous chef’s restaurant. They visited Gatlinburg regularly and even cruised to Alaska. Patty (and Alan!) particularly appreciated trips to NYC where niece Rose would create a culinary-centric itinerary across the city from Eataly to Astoria to Patty’s personal favorite, the Russian Tea Room, with Carol and Pamela.

Patty’s life was full of joy and love. However, her most cherished love was Alan. Patty and Alan were attached at the hip and immensely dedicated to each other.  When he passed in 2020 she found comfort in attending bible study at Abundant Life Church in Birdsboro. Patty has an incredible number of dear friends who she often entertained with her funny stories, off-the-cuff remarks, and good humor.  She greatly enjoyed knitting and crocheting which she learned in her time at 4-H.  She loved her cooking shows and murder mysteries, as well as Alan’s sci-fi flicks and old-time black and white pictures.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at Bean Funeral Home, 6 Fairlane Road, Exeter Township, Friday, November 19, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. Amy S. Landis will officiate. Interment will follow at a later date at the convenience of the family. The family will receive relatives and friends in Bean Funeral Home from 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A video dial-in will be live streamed for those unable to travel.

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