Patti Ianni Lloyd

1949 - 2009

Patti Ianni Lloyd died Tuesday, June 23, 2009, peacefully at home in Gilbert, Ariz., after a heroic four-year battle against leiomyosarcoma (LMS).
Memorial service: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, in the Luibel Hall at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made in Patti's memory to LMS Direct Research, P.O. Box 52697, Tulsa, Okla. 74152.
Loving wife and mother, devoted sister and daughter, the world's greatest Nani, inspiring friend and mentor, Patti Ianni Lloyd was all of these things and much more to her family and friends.
Patti was born Dec. 18, 1949, in Winslow, Ariz., the second of four children born to Ray and Joyce Ianni. Growing up in Winslow, Ariz., she was an outstanding competitive swimmer, a member of the National Honor Society and a majorette for the Winslow High School Band. She graduated from Winslow High School in 1967 and moved to Flagstaff, Ariz., to attend college where she met David Lloyd. They were married in 1968 and in 1969 their son Jim was born. By then, David was a U.S. Marine Corps pilot and the family moved to Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. In Hawaii, their second son, Maki, was born in 1971. In 1978, they settled in Fort Worth and Patti began her career at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, working there until her retirement in 2006. In 2007, Patti and David moved home to Arizona to be closer to family.
After she was diagnosed with LMS in 2005, Patti became very involved in the LMS community and participated in many trials to find a cure for this terrible disease. Throughout her battle, she never let her illness dictate the terms of her life and instead took every opportunity to enjoy her time in this world with her loved ones. She drew inspiration from the many friends she met at the LMS Hugfest and through other communities and her strength and determination are inspirations to others facing the challenges of LMS. She made several "trips of a lifetime" during this period and regularly visited her favorite scuba spots in Cozumel, Mexico, and Grand Cayman. Most importantly, Patti was able to spend time with the joys of her life, her four beautiful grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Patti was strong and compassionate, with an easy laugh and quiet dignity, even in the most challenging circumstances. She accepted others for who they are and always offered her family and friends unconditional love and support combined with a directness and honesty. She always knew how fortunate she was and encouraged others to recognize that as well. Patti's warmth, caring, courage, and, most of all, love are her legacy for all of those who knew and loved her. Patti will be remembered by friends all over the world, including her extended family in Wales and England, and her many friends in Fort Worth.
Patti was predeceased by her parents, Ray and Joyce Ianni.
Survivors: She leaves behind her husband, David; her sons, Jim and Maki, and their wives, Claudette and Caron; her grandchildren, Evan, Rhys, Patricia Maeve and Garrett; and her siblings, Bambi Thorpe, Ray Ianni and Joe Ianni and their families.