Patricia Merze Wright

It is not length of life, but depth of life. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Patricia “Pat” Wright was born to Judith Virginia and Robert Charles Edge, II in Hutchison, Kansas. The only daughter, Pat, was one of three children: older brother Robert (“Bob”) and younger brother Richard (“Dickie”). With Pat’s father serving in the Navy, their family was stationed on the island of Guam where she and her brothers’ grew up. There, Pat met and married the love of her life Benjamin Wright, Jr. Together, they moved their family, as well as Pat’s family, to Hawaii where they lived for over 28 years before moving and calling Las Vegas “home” in 1996.

Pat’s true passion was her family, and she devoted all of her time and energy to caring for them. The love of her life was her husband Benjamin Wright, Jr. They were the perfect compliment for one another. They loved to dance, listen to music, take trips and dream together. Not to mention their numerous home remodeling projects that they so enjoyed! Their love for each other was exemplified in the lives of their three children - - sons Marshall and Velton, and daughter Justine. Pat was an incredible Mom, and she had a special bond with each of her children. Pat was her children’s biggest fan and could always be found in the front row of Marshall’s school plays, Velton’s football games and Justine’s soccer tournaments. She was always there to cheer them on when they won and wipe away the tears when they didn’t. Most of all, Pat was there to teach them that it wasn’t about winning or losing, but playing to the best of your ability and with total integrity. Those lessons were carried with her children from the playing field in to life.

Pat absolutely adored being a wife and mother, but was truly happiest when she became a Grandmother. Her granddaughter Alexia was the light of her life. They were inseparable, and they spent countless hours playing, laughing, telling stories and getting in to trouble together. They were always up to something! Pat’s love of sewing was displayed in the countless dresses and costumes she created for Alexia. They spent hours working on craft projects, cooking and shopping together, as well as curled up on the sofa together talking about anything that came to mind.

One of Pat’s favorite sayings was “Not what I have, but what I do, is my kingdom”, and she certainly embodied this sentiment. Pat’s honesty, integrity, compassion and generosity were unsurpassed. She never met a stranger, and Pat was never too busy to listen, to hug or to help. And if you wanted an honest opinion, be it on an outfit or a life mate, Pat was the one you turned to. She could always be counted on to tell the truth, even if that wasn’t always easy to hear. Pat always believed that each moment spent was a moment to make a memory, so she made sure those memories were good ones. Many memories were created around family, friends and food. Pat was a phenomenal cook, and she could always be found in the kitchen creating something wonderful. At the holidays, no matter how busy things would get, Pat always made sure she made everyone’s favorite dish and a tray of everyone’s favorite holiday treats.

Pat loved to have fun! On countless occasions, she could be found sitting around the dining table until the wee hours of the morning with friends laughing, playing games and sharing stories. Pat also loved evenings out with the girls exploring new restaurants and sharing good times. No matter where she was, be it dancing at the Persian restaurant or enjoying a margarita at the Havana Grill, Pat was always the life of the party! Pat always liked to try new things and encouraged her children to experience as much of other cultures and ways of thinking as possible. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends, experiencing new things and creating new memories. Pat became a big fan of bowling, and she and her favorite bowling partners (her husband Ben and grand-daughter Alexia) enjoyed spending time together on the lanes. Pat even joined the bowling league and traveled to Reno to participate in the national championships. Of course, there was just as much laughter as there was bowling on that trip!

Pat’s time with us here on earth was much too short. Yet those who were touched by her understood that the quality of time shared far exceeds quantity. Her smile, boundless compassion, intelligence and amazing sense of humor brought so much joy to all who knew her. This will live on through the memories she so lovingly created within the hearts of her family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.