Patty (Patricia—don’t ever call her Pat—) Jean Baez (née Ginnery) burst into this world on May 22, 1955, in Erie, Pennsylvania and left us on December 29th, 2025. Although an only child of Joyce Smith and Theodore Ginnery, she was fortunate to gain another father later in life who loved her beyond words, Lou Gumm. Between Theodore, Lou, and Joyce’s brothers, she had enough siblings, cousins, and uncles to keep her grandchildren thoroughly confused during story time at Sunday dinners.

Though she was born on the East Coast, most of her life was spent on the West Coast, in California and Oregon. Surrounded by love and shenanigans, she grew into a woman who loved fiercely and took no prisoners. Whether owning and operating a bakery, working as a CNA, or managing a restaurant, Patty was always up for a challenge and found joy in whatever she did.

A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Patty loved showing off photos and telling stories about her children when they were little. Michael, Thomas, Raymond, Dora, Lizanne, and Brandon—she was proud of them all. Through time, distance, and differences, her love for her children never wavered. Nearly as much as she loved her kids, she loved her grandchildren (and if we’re naming favorites… Mazzy). Spread across the country, she cherished receiving photos and updates about their lives and watching them grow.

Patty was preceded in death by her fathers, Lou and Theodore; her brother, Steven; and her uncles Dennis, Howard, and Mike. She is survived by the love of her life, Alfred; her mother/best friend (and cause of a few eye rolls), Joyce; her sons Michael (Michelle) Brooks, Thomas (Julie) Glaze, and Raymond (Brandy) Moya; and the other children she loved fiercely, Dora (JJ) Mullett, Lizanne (Michael) Tanaro, and Brandon (Elizabeth) Baez. She also leaves behind 20 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

She has taken a piece of the hearts of her surviving family members as well: Frank, Chuck, and Bob (Linda) Smith; Cora Decker Ginnery; Theresa Martin; Suzanne Martin-Coole; Donna and Jesse Irizarry; and Emilia Garza among many others.

A small, family-only gathering will be held in Salem, Oregon