Patricia Marie Gies, 80

Our beloved Patty Gies brightened the world with her loving, joyous personality from the day of her birth June 5, 1939, until her death March 4, 2021. She was the precious first child of Noel and Harriet Gies.They divorced and Noel later married Jean Hoppe who became the devoted stepmother for Patty and her younger brother, Chuck. She attended grade school at St. Matthew’s Catholic school and graduated from Flathead County High in 1957. She received her registered nurse degree from Carroll College in 1961 and then began her lifelong “ministry” of caring for others, starting at the University of Washington Medical Center.

In 1966, Patty moved from Seattle to Phoenix. She was recruited by St. Luke’s Hospital as a night nurse in the Emergency Room. Patty was an inspiration to everyone. Her compassion for helping patients was contagious. She was a devoted caregiver. One of Patty’s fellow nurses and medical trainer said Patty was the best patient advocate with whom she had ever worked.

Patty loved life and helping others. She was a den mother, neighborhood nurse and hospice caregiver to those in need. She adopted all her friends as her family. She loved celebrations and holidays and never forgot birthdays and anniversaries. She was tremendously generous and friends and family have memories and keepsakes of personal gifts. The Christmas panettone bread and the latest book of our favorite author were treats for all. She loved laughter, stories and St. Patrick’s Day, and never missed a Notre Dame game on TV. She knew our secrets, shared our fears, joys, accomplishments and forgave our transgressions. She said prayers for anyone in need. We all believed she had a “direct line …”

Patty moved to Los Angeles in 1978 where she continued her nursing career until 2007. One of her many beloved patients was Nellie Wooden, wife of famous coach John Wooden of the UCLA Bruins. Her capable, loving care endeared her to the coach and his children. Patty also found time to assist Sister Sam, and the St. Vincent Hospital where she worked, with their Meals on Wheels Program. It was a huge endeavor in Los Angeles and very dear to Patty’s heart.

Due to health issues and mobility problems, Patty returned to Phoenix in 2007. She took medical retirement and, for the most part, was confined to her bed. Some of her friends never knew of her physical limitations, as she was proficient at keeping in touch through her phone and iPad. She never missed an opportunity to “catch up.” She had so many friends and loving family members whom she cherished, including 11 godchildren. The love of Patty Gies for all of us who knew her leaves a footprint on our hearts. She will be missed … but we who remain are grateful to have Patty as our advocate and angel in heaven!

Patty was preceded in death by her parents Jean and Noel Gies, Harriet Gies, and numerous aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her brother, Chuck Gies; cousins, Father Terry Regan, Dan (Judy) Regan, Peggy (Chris) Dietzen, and Holly (Ron) Schroeder; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Catholic Mass and memorial services have been held in Great Falls and Kalispell.