Beloved Wife, Mother, Nana, and Cherished Friend passed peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Patricia was born in Blackburn, England to Ruby and Edwin.  She and her sister, Barbara, and brother, Derek, were raised by Ruby who later married Frank Tetley.  She was educated in Blackburn and was an accomplished and dedicated student.

Patricia met Ernie Holden in Blackburn, and they were wed on October 31, 1959.  A life of love and adventure awaited them.  They emigrated to the US on July 3, 1960, and settled in Cleveland, Ohio to begin their married life together.  They cultivated lifelong friendships in those early years, and special mention must be made to the family of John and Hilary Terry.

She and Ernie welcomed their children, Joanne, Gary, and Debra while living in Ohio.  They were dedicated members of the congregation of St. Mark's Church.  They remained in contact with many friends from St. Mark's and those relationships were truly valued.

In addition to her loving and constant care for her young family, Patricia began working outside the home at a local Hospital.  She would continue her career focused on administrative support in various medical offices.  She was also a member of the Wadsworth Footlighters and performed in numerous plays and musicals with the community troupe.

Upon moving to Charlotte, NC in June 1980, Patricia became a certified Jazzercise Instructor.  Given her love of arts, dance, and theater, she greatly enjoyed teaching classes for many years.

Patricia had a deep love of reading (and professional sports of all types) and shared this generously with her children.  She was also an outstanding and dedicated volunteer, having served 20+ years with Atrium Healthcare, among others.

Patricia and Ernie loved to travel, and they enjoyed many cruises and tours, always making wonderful friends and connections.  Patricia was profoundly touched by their visit to Israel, in addition to trips taken to the UK, Europe, the Caribbean, Egypt, and other destinations.  Patricia loved visiting the beach and thoroughly basked in her many days in the sunshine.

She was an inspiring and cherished woman, and we remain grateful for her enduring love and support at all stages of life.  She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ernie, in addition to her children and her grandson, Derek Christopher Warner Holden (born July 3, 1997) — Exactly 37 years from the day she and Ernie arrived in the United States.

Patricia was a bright, beautiful, and brave woman whose faith in God served her all of her long life.  She was proud to be a member of the Community Church at Lake Wylie for 30+ years.

We will miss her smile, humor, kindness, and compassion.  

Patricia loved her cups of hot tea, scones, fish & chips, licorice, and apple pie.  We will remember fondly her signature Lasagna and, of course, the English Trifle at the Christmas Holiday.

Lewis Melton (Joanne) has been a presence in her life for 20+ years and proved to be a supportive and caring man to Patricia and Ernie.

Patricia remained strong in her final days, and we are blessed and inspired by her faith and actions.  The family wishes to thank her care teams at Lake Wylie Assisted Living and Agape Care Group.

We will celebrate her life in a private ceremony at a later date.

Patricia touched many, many lives and always had a kind and caring word for family and friends.

If desired, a donation in her honor/memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation (www.komen.org). 

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC is serving the family of Mrs. Holden.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.