Patricia Grace Willan

Patricia Grace Willan, age 80, passed away on to Saturday, October 3, 2026. Pat was born on Tuesday, August 27, 1946 to Roger and Charlotte Collins in St. Mary's Hospital in Madison Wisconsin. Pat was the loving partner and guiding light for her husband, Vern. She was also a devoted mother of three wonderful daughters, Christine, Sandy, and Cheryl.

Originally growing up in a farming community near Evansville Wisconsin, she made a significant transition when she married Vern in 1970 and traveled to Arizona for their extended honeymoon. They would eventually call the Southwest home. She always maintained a fondness for Wisconsin, the variety of activities, and visiting family and friends there. Pat graduated from the Wisconsin State University Whitewater and taught elementary school in Sun Prairie Wisconsin. When the Willan family moved to Albuquerque in 1980, Pat was employed by Sandia National Labs, recognized as a Distinguished Member of the Lab Staff, and promoted to manage a corporate training department. With Pat's support, the family adventures involved snow and water skiing, soccer, swimming, and a variety of RV trips which often included a stop in Wisconsin. In retirement Pat and Vern enjoyed extended RV trips, off-roading in their Jeep, day trips on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and touring the Southwest in their Model T Ford with the Tin Lizzies Model T Club. Pat enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, cooking gourmet food with her friends, playing cards, embroidery, and quilting. She valued her time making prayer quilts with the Quilters at the United Methodist Church.

Pat is survived by her husband, Vern Willan, her children Christine Mitchell (Bill), Sandy Willan (John Newkirk), Cheryl Rivera (Thomas Hughes) and grandchildren Will and Anne Mitchell and Grace Rivera. She is also survived by her brother Tom Collins (Pam) and sisters Candy Phelps (Tim Adler), Kay Argue (Terry), and Mary Kubly (Dale).

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Mountainside United Methodist Church, Cedar Crest, NM on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with a light lunch to follow.