Barbara Patla

I was a student of hers for three years, from '80-'83. She was absolutely my favorite teacher. Each year our class participated in the Latin prize exam and my first year with her, two students received honorable mention. When I was a senior, I remember her announcing to the class, "I have good news and bad news. I'm sorry to say that this year no one received honorable mention. But I'm proud to say, someone in this class got 3rd place!" Then she handed me my award. I achieved that nearly...

Grandma,

Thank you for the gift of love, now you're sharing it up above. You had many things to say, all in a caring way. You always saw well in everyone, No matter what they've done. You were always the one we could all lean on, even though it must have felt like a ton. You were always the strength of the family. Now we must let you rest calmly. As we say goodbye, as tears roll down from our eyes. I know your place in heaven has a good view. Because you're telling God, I need to...

I was breathtakingly shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of Barbara's passing. She was a wonderful friend and earnest colleague. Dedication and commitment to her subject area characterized her life. I worked closely with Barbara in the Classical Association of Connecticut (once Connecticut CANE) and we often shared our love of Latin and our concern for our students. One particular conversation has crystallized in my mind. We were speaking about our respective students and the challenges...

My thoughts and prayers to you Gary and the Patla family. Your mom was a very special person that touched many people's lives. I will be forever grateful that I was part of her family and shared so much with her. Her intelligence and enthusiasm for life, no matter what the circumstances, was truly unique.
I'm sure she is now chatting with Aristotle and Euripides about the changes to classical education.
Peace be with you.

Dear Patla Family,
We send our sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother, Barbara. We know from conversations with Gary that she was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed. We are sorry we did not have the opportunity to meet her.

I am so saddened to hear of your mother's death. It was an honor for me to assist in her SeniorNet Latin class. May Barbara rest in peace, may the perpetual light shine upon her.

A great sense of humor,dry and witty.Always positive.Will be missed

Gary,Kathy and family Words cannot express how sorry we are for your great loss.I've been trying to find the words that might lessen your pain, and that is next to impossible but I will share with you something I read. A Golden Heart stopped beating,She's now at Peaceful Rest. God broke your Heart to prove to you, He only takes the BEST. We Love You, Lynn,Matt,Cory and Jeremy

It has been a shock this afternoon to read the message--very kind of you to send it to us who don't get the Courant. Her passing must have been sudden: I had an e-mail from her as recently as Jan. 30. It will tell you something about her enthusiasm: ". . . I have two students who are in 4th year and have finished Jason and some Pliny. Next week we start on an anthology. . . . it has been worthwhile to give them the opportunity to read Latin authors."
Barbara was a marvelous role model,...