Patricia Molen, 86

Patricia Molen, 86, passed away on Jan. 17, 2024. She was born in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, to working class parents during challenging times. She was the eldest of four children and with 13 years between her and the next eldest, she spent many of her teen years helping care for her three siblings. 

Pat moved with her parents in 1951, to Southern California where she later graduated from high school and, somewhat serendipitously, met the love of her life, Jerry Molen. Shortly after their marriage in 1954, Jerry was shipped off for a 10-month tour in the Marine Corps. While overseas, Jerry demonstrated his absolute devotion with daily letters to his young bride. Their life was a perfect picture of unconditional love, sacrifice and commitment. They were married for almost 70 wonderful years 

Pat had a varied career as she worked as a bank teller, office clerk, and was a licensed realtor for 10 years. She was also entrepreneurial and responsible for starting and operating three businesses in the local Flathead area. She enjoyed sewing, roller skating, bowling, tennis, swimming, ping pong, golf, tending her garden, and traveling. 

She was active in many nonprofit organizations and was very active with church assignments. She loved helping others and will be remembered for her sweet spirit, warm smile, and her caring heart.

Her husband's career in the entertainment business allowed her to travel all over the world and she thoroughly loved learning about other cultures and seeing iconic sights. She loved the excitement that came from sharing in the role she and Jerry played in the business of "Hollywood" and the many films they were involved with. 

Above all, Pat's priority and passion was her family. She was a cherished and devoted wife, a loving mother, a doting grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a strong, independent woman and she exuded a grace and kindness that made a permanent impression on all those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; son, Steven (his wife Julie); son-in-law, Steve; grandchildren, Bryan, Sarah (her husband Sam), BreeAnn and Austin; great-grandchildren, Emma, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Jacob, Meghan, Jackson and Ezra; brother, Bob; and sister, Beth; her beloved cousin, Betty (her husband Bob); and many special friends. 

She is preceded in death by her precious daughter, Lori; and youngest bother, Darryl. 

Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 10, at The LDS Church, 121 Crestview Drive, Bigfork, Montana 59911. Arrangements are under the Care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.