Patricia Ann Cress (nee Duff), 76, received her wings to soar with the angels after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.
Born on June 13,1947, Patty was a life-long resident of Morgantown.
Patty loved God, and it was through her strong connection to him along with her faith that she touched many, many lives. Known to most as the ‘Mail Lady,’ her compassion, generosity, genuine interest in other people, and her youthful energy left an indelible impression on all who were blessed to have known her.
Patty cherished her 42 years with the Morgantown Post Office as a mail carrier, was an active and passionate member of National Association of Letter Carriers, and thoroughly enjoyed participating in United Way fundraising through the post office.
An avid cook and baker, she must have baked hundreds, if not thousands of cakes and desserts for co-workers, postal customers or anybody she felt needed one.
As the oldest of seven siblings, she acted as caretaker, parent, and advisor. Family was always a priority and this also included her spiritual family, with whom she celebrated and studied the magnificence of God her entire life.
She is survived by her son, Philip (Elena) Hlohinec of Flagstaff, Ariz.; daughters, Leigh Ann Hlohinec of Sammamish, Wash., and Lisa Cress Esmay of Masontown; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; six siblings, William (Tara) Duff Jr., of Westover, Deborah Duff Marks of Westover, Michael Duff (Barbara), Lahaina, HI, Joe (Sheri) Duff of Westerville, Ohio, David Duff of Dublin, Ohio, and Kelley (Darren) Holsten of Sunbury, Ohio; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; dear friends of 50 years, Barbara, Heidi, Joetta and Ed, and Blanche, as well as Donna Renee, Paula and her IHOP buddies.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Leda Duff; grandson Ryan Hlohinec; niece, Adele Duff; son-in-law, David Esmay; and her very close friend, Randy Craig.
In line with Patty’s giving nature and inquiring mind, she requested her body be donated to science.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church — Peace Hall, 3346 University Ave., Morgantown from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.
Donations in her memory can be made to St. Ursula’s Food Pantry, P.O. Box 18, Pursglove, WV 26546.
Patty’s obituary appears as a service of Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover/Morgantown.
Condolences:
www.smithfcc.com
