January 4, 1941 – April 27, 2026
Patricia Ann Briley (née Garvin), 85, passed peacefully on the evening of April 27, 2026—right around happy hour—surrounded on all sides by the people she loved most. She left this world the same way she lived: never alone, always with family close.
Patricia was the center of gravity for her family. Over 85 years, there was rarely a time when one of her six children or ten grandchildren wasn’t nearby—drawn in by her warmth, her humor, and the simple truth that being with her made everything better.
She is survived by her children: Pamela (preceded spouse Brian), Stephen Jr. (Melissa), Timothy (Sarah), Daniel (Elsie), Megan (Matthew), and Sean (Heather); and her ten grandchildren—Brogan, Benjamin, Quinn, Griffin, Charlie, William, Graeme, Luke, Grace, and Maeve—who knew her best as “Noni.” She is also survived by her sisters, Ruthelene and Bobbi. She was the beloved daughter of Raymond and Rosemary Garvin.
She was preceded in death by her husband and childhood sweetheart, Stephen M. Briley Sr.; her son-in-law Brian; and daughter-in-law Emily.
Born in Pittsburgh, Patricia married the love of her life and built a home that spanned several places, including many years in Wheaton, Illinois, and a decade in Connecticut, before settling in Utah for the past 20-plus years. She had a gift for enjoying life as it came: good conversation, easy laughter, and the comfort of having all her people close—she never cared for an empty scene when all her children could be in it. A glass of KJ in hand didn’t hurt either.
Above all else, Patricia loved her family. That love was steady, generous, and unmistakable—and it’s what holds them close, even now.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a cause of your choosing, with special consideration for local animal shelters. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, in accordance with her wishes. She was the best. She will be deeply missed. The world lost one of the greats.