Obituary of Patricia Collins Arida

 

Patricia Collins Arida, 96, Tucson, Arizona joined her Heavenly Father on October 9, 2023. Patty was born to a devout Catholic family on March 11, 1927, in Pittsburgh, PA. Her parents Matthew Peter Collins and Agnes Daly Collins and her sister Elizabeth Louise were the foundation for a family of much love and joy. After high school, she graduated from St. Francis Nursing School in Pittsburgh and her career in nursing became her passion.

She joined the Air Force Nurses’ Corp as a Lieutenant where she met and married Lieutenant Marlin William Boruff. They lived and traveled extensively with the Air Force. They had 4 children, Bill, Liz, Patti and Matt. Washington DC was home base and where Patty continued her nursing career and was involved in numerous organizations and clubs including Arlington Ladies Guild, Welcome to Washington, Air Force Wives Club, National Museum of Art, (docent) and director of the Childcare Center at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

After the dissolution of her marriage, Patty married Victor Herbert Arida in Tucson, AZ, where they shared life together for 30 years. Her life in Tucson was filled with philanthropic activities. Patty managed the Child Care Center at Casa de Los Ninos and was an active Member of Angel Charity (General Chairman in 1991). She was also involved with the The Arizona Heart Center, Pima Council on Aging, Catholic Community Services and Las Donas de Los Descendientes del Presidio de Tucson.

Patty retired from her extensive civic activities in 2015 and spent her remaining years enjoying her family and friends.

Patty was predeceased by her daughter, Patricia Maureen Redding and her granddaughter, Juliana Maureen Redding and is survived by her children Bill (Patty), Liz (Hunter), and Matt (Andrea) and grandchildren Matthew, Brooke, Patrick (Danielle), Lucas and David and great grandson Remington.

Patty had an infectious smile, positive outlook and joy of life; She will be greatly missed.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to El Rio Health Services and Catholic Community Services, Casa Alitas Program.