Patricia Ann (Paduda) Farmer, 82, of Laurel, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on August 4, 2026. She brought warmth, laughter, and an unshakeable kindness into the lives of everyone who knew her, and she was loved and respected by all.
Patricia was born on January 2, 1944, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Michael J. Paduda Sr. and Margaret (Mack) Paduda. She grew up in the Fairlawn Village neighborhood along U Place in Southeast Washington. A devoted student, she graduated from St. Teresa’s Catholic School in Anacostia, then from St. Cecilia’s Academy in 1962, and went on to earn her degree from Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross in 1966. She began her federal career with the National Security Agency, where she proudly served her country for more than 35 years before retiring. She was a member of the Phoenix Society.
In August 1980, Patricia married Michael Albert Farmer. Her family was the heartbeat of her life, and her partnership with Mike was a constant source of strength, joy, and shared happiness through every season. Together they built a home filled with patience, grace, and unconditional care. To Mike she was his best friend, his fiercest supporter, and the love of his life. Together they also lovingly cared for their six little dogs — Taffy Belle, Buttons, Tramp, Gigi, Prince, and Stormy — cherished companions who filled their home with devotion and delight.
A devout Catholic, Patricia loved her church and gave much of herself to St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Laurel. She was a dedicated member and past president of the Altar Society, Bazaar Committee, St. Nicholas Prayer Warriors, Bereavement, and 50th Anniversary Committee. She created a cherished 50th Anniversary Book and helped to plan bazaars and countless parish activities. Her kindness, strong faith, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her.
Patricia lived a life rooted in love, grace, and steady dedication to those she held dear, and she poured that same energy into her many passions and commitments. She was an avid reader, a solver of Phoenix Society acrostics, a Scrabble player, and a devoted crossword-puzzle enthusiast. A gifted writer and communicator, she was the trusted editor of anyone who asked, as well as a natural counselor, advisor, and researcher. She delighted in bringing people together, whether over informal lunches and dinners with former NSA colleagues or formal teas with close friends. She shared that talent with the community as a writer and editor for the Laurel Leader newspaper, where she authored senior-focused and community-interest articles. Beyond her parish, she was an active and generous member of many professional and civic organizations, including Business and Professional Women/USA; the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association; the Maryland Gerontological Association; the American Rosie the Riveter Association; and Women in NSA. Whatever she took on, she gave it everything.
Above all, Patricia had a wonderful gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated. Her bright spirit and gentle nature left a lasting impact on all who crossed her path, bringing comfort to quiet days and joy to every celebration.
In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Paduda; her brother, Michael J. Paduda Jr.; her brother-in-law, Cliff Bates; and her nephew-in-law, Glenn Campbell.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Mike; her sister, Margaret Bates; her sister-in-law, Mary Bush Paduda; her nieces, Sharon Dvorak, Peggy Campbell, and Marcie Braswell (Kevin); her nephews, Marty Bates (Mary Beth), Tim Bates (Stephanie), and Mickey Paduda (Kim); her great-nieces, Jenna Dvorak (Alex), Claire Glenn (Trever), Mary Kyser Braswell, Georgia Paduda, and Elis Paduda; and her great-nephews, Ty Campbell, Jeremy Dvorak, Jason Dvorak (Cortney), Ben Bates (Emma), Luke Bates (Jenna), Billy Braswell, and Mack Paduda. She is also survived by numerous great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews and many dear friends.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Laurel, Maryland. A funeral Mass to celebrate Patricia’s life will also be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 12:00pm at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, Maryland.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society), to the St. Nicholas Catholic Church memorial fund, or to an animal-welfare charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Patricia’s beloved dogs.