Patricia Rose (DeSandis) Sechrest

Patricia Rose Sechrest
December 20, 1946 – September 18, 2025

Patricia Rose Sechrest, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, was called into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 18, 2025. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Pati was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on December 20, 1946, the second of five children born to Angela Maria Galasso and Joseph Nazareno DeSandis, both of Italian heritage. She grew up in Dunmore, PA, graduating from Dunmore High School in June 1964. Pati then attended Bloomsburg State College, but after her first year, she accepted an invitation from her aunt to visit the Panama Canal Zone. At 18, Pati made her first plane trip, and also her first time outside of the U.S. She liked it so much that she convinced her parents to let her stay for two years to attend Canal Zone College, where she earned an Associate ofArts degree. During her time there, she was crowned Jamboree Queen and was a talented Majorette, twirling fire batons during halftime shows.

In 1967, Pati met Kenneth Anderson, her first husband. They married on December 30, 1967, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Dunmore, the same church where Pati had worshipped as a child. The couple moved to Titusville, FL, where Kenny worked as a Physical Education teacher. After a year, they relocated to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, so Kenny could pursue a Doctorate of Education. It was here that Pati became a mother for the first time, welcoming her daughter, Eva, in April 1969.

The family later returned to Panama, Kenny's birthplace. Pati embraced the unique culture of the country, where she would raise her three children: Eva, Ashley, and Luke. Pati was deeply involved at St. Mary's Church in Balboa, Panama, where she served as a lector, CCD teacher, Religious Education Director, and on altar duty—an area of ministry she cherished. A highlight of her life was attending a Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Panama in 1983, an unforgettable experience.

In addition to raising three children, Pati was determined to complete her education. She proudly earned a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business from the University of Southern Mississippi. She worked as a sales representative for a company serving military commissaries and exchanges, and later as the Office Administrator at the United States Southern Command Legal Office, where she was honored as USSOUTHCOM Civilian of the Year.

Pati’s life in Panama included the upheaval and tension of the Noriega regime in the late 80s. The experience culminated in Operation “Just Cause,” a military action led by the United States that ended the dictatorship. It was a harrowing period, one Pati witnessed firsthand. 

After her first marriage ended in 1994, Pati moved to Guam, where she married Darrell Sechrest. As an Air Force wife, she had the opportunity to live in Guam, Germany, and Utah. During their time in Guam, Pati became certified in scuba diving and developed a passion for golf. It wasn’t until years later, but she even achieved a hole in one! Her diving adventures took her to the islands of Palau and Yap, and she traveled with Darrell to destinations like Singapore and Bali. While in Germany, she worked for a broker selling to the Army and Air Force Exchange Services, and her travels across eight European countries, the Czech Republic, and Malta enriched her life. Their final military assignment brought them to Ogden, Utah.

In 2002, Pati and Darrell retired and settled in Sierra Vista, AZ. They built a beautiful life together in Winterhaven. Pati enjoyed her retirement years by staying active, whether hiking, biking, playing golf, or traveling. She was also involved in the community at Our Lady of the Mountains, who provided her with comfort and support in her last years. 

Pati cherished her role as a Nonna (grandmother) to Drew Fishbough, Dylan Fishbough, and David Anderson, and was actively involved in their lives. She loved her family and she loved life.

Pati is survived by her husband, Darrell Sechrest; her children, Eva (Evan Rodaniche) Anderson, Ashley (Daryl) Fishbough, and Luke Anderson; her grandchildren; and her siblings, Vita (James) Giacometti, Joseph (Rosie) DeSandis, Denise (James) Cammerota, and Brenda (Bobby) Hughes.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of faith, love, and strength will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. 

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