Patricia Alice Goff Borg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend to all, passed away November 15, 2023 from the effects of cancer. The final hours of her life were spent surrounded by her family, sharing memories and all the stories, feeling grateful for this remarkable woman who made life so happy for each of us. We sent her off with all our love and look forward to the day we will be together again.
Patty was born November 4, 1948 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Arliss Herman Goff (Ike) and Ruth Curtis Goff. She grew up in a little pink brick home in Union on 1300 East, with her two brothers, Randy and Scott. They were not just siblings, they were best friends. They always had each other’s backs, sharing the fun and adventures that bind siblings together. Theirs was a happy childhood, filled with neighborhood friends and wonderful family memories. Patty inherited her mother’s kind and gentle heart. At her side, Patty learned to love everyone and how to make others feel important. From her father, Patty inherited a joyful nature and positive outlook. Her eyes twinkled just like her dad’s.
When Patty was twelve years old she was diagnosed with neuromyelitis, which was the cause of excruciating pain, partial paralysis, and lengthy hospital stays. For months she struggled, too sick to go to school, too sick to do anything. This was a defining time in Patty’s young life where she learned to overcome fear and to keep going. These lessons would be important to her throughout her life. When other challenges came, she faced each with the same courage and persistence. After months of struggle, Patty finally began to improve. Doctors called her complete recovery a miracle.
During her school days Patty made many lifelong friends. Stories of their antics together have been told throughout the years, making us all laugh and giving us reason to feel grateful for these people who were such a special part of her life. Patty was an expert at friendship. She mastered the art of showing up for her friends and making them all feel like favorites. It was a term of affection if she called you “Banana” or “Jean’ or “Peeboo.” So many were drawn to her for her kindness and happy ways. It’s no wonder they stuck around all these years.
At Hillcrest High School Patty enjoyed a large circle of friends, serving as student body secretary and being involved in many organizations. She was well-known and well-loved. While at Hillcrest Patty met Alan Borg and after going to the winter formal dance together, they became inseparable.
From the time they were fifteen years old, it was always Alan and Patty. They were married on August 24, 1970 in the Salt Lake Temple. They made quite a team, were the perfect balance, always working together to provide for their family and serving others. For them, life was happy because they were together. WIth their combined talents and sacrifices they made everywhere they went a better place to be. Alan was the hands and Patty was the heart.
Patty was good at so many things, but she was, and always will be, especially masterful at being Mom to Marty, Tyler, Brian, Todd, Katie, and Jill. She gave her all to what she considered her most important work: being a mother. She created a happy home, was devoted and loving, a constant support and advocate, her children’s biggest fan. She tended to their needs with love and good humor. She taught them to pray, to read the scriptures, and to have faith. Patty prioritized family time: skiing, camping and epic trips to Lake Powell were family favorites. She was a fun mom and hers was the house where all the neighborhood kids wanted to be. She made the best chocolate chip cookies and her homemade spaghetti sauce is practically famous. When her children got married, she welcomed their spouses with open arms and treated them as her own. Patty was also really good at being a mother-in-law.
When the grandchildren started to arrive, Patty took on the role of Grandma with joy and enthusiasm. Her Halloween and Christmas parties were legendary with costume parades, spooky walks down the lane, bingo, prizes, candy houses, gifts, food, the works! Every holiday was extra special at Grandma’s house, but so were the regular days because she was there with her laughter and her hugs. Patty took a genuine interest in her grandchildren’s lives, always wanting to hear about everything. Later in her life when getting around was more difficult, they’d leave extra early, with Alan making every accommodation so that she could still attend her grandchildren’s many sporting events, concerts, plays, and graduations. Sometimes they’d even cross state lines, driving 600 miles to see these special performances. There are 30 grandchildren, each convinced they are her favorite. She made life magical for them all.
Although they lived in other areas in Utah and in Colorado for a short time, her neighborhood in Sandy had her whole heart. Alan and Patty invested almost all they had as a young family and bought a plot of land on Siesta Drive. They built their home themselves, being the one of the first families in the neighborhood. The neighborhood seemed to grow up around them and followed their lead in open doors and friendly greetings from the porch, kids running from yard to yard. Neighbors became family. The relationships Patty developed in her little corner are among her most cherished.
Patty was blessed with many talents that she worked hard to develop. She was our favorite artist and we always enjoyed seeing her newest paintings. We love having a Patty Borg original art hanging on our walls. She was a skilled and meticulous quilter. Among our favorite treasures are her handmade quilts with her signature “Made by Grandma B” tags on the back. When she wasn’t creating with her hands she was creating with her words, writing family histories and recording the many stories of her own life.
Throughout her life Patty took every opportunity to express her love for her Father in Heaven and for her Savior. She was an “example of the believers” and had a firm testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. She served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including as a stake missionary as a young adult and in presidencies of Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations. She used her many gifts to minister to others. In 2012 she was called with Alan to be mission leaders of the Peru Lima Central Mission. She was beloved by the missionaries and always had a piece of candy for them and a listening ear. She loved the people of Peru and was a trusted, capable leader and a joy to the elders and sisters serving there. Leaving her family for three years was hard for Patty, but she did it because she loved the Lord. Through her example we knew where she stood. She leaves her family a legacy of serving the Savior and putting your trust in Him.
Some people spread sunshine wherever they go; and Patty was one of them. We are deeply grateful for her life. It was impossible to be in her presence and not feel good. Even when her health was failing, she still made us laugh. The only side Patty could see was the bright side. Her trademark smile, her sense of humor, her counsel, and her ability to be happy in any circumstance, are just a few of the many reasons we will miss her. To us, she was pretty much perfect. We cling to the promise that our family is eternal, and we feel peace knowing that “the grave hath no victory and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ” (Mosiah 16:8).
Patty is survived by her loving husband Alan, sons Martin (Adrie), Tyler (Shawna), Brian (Kristin), Todd (Lexie), Katie (James), and Jill (Ryan), 30 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held Tuesday evening, November 21, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Sandy Utah Cottonwood Creek Stake Center, 1535 Creek Road, Sandy UT., 84093. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 22, at the same location at 12:00 noon, with a viewing before from 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
Those wishing to view the COMPLETED services via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/jGyCD5KfjmCRceAhjrrCfmLM8jBZCUFxFl-qlI9rNDx8x8bObqPBbQTajoGXq7EU.Pt3OFq8_3eLEbcPQ?startTime=1700677876000
Marty and I were close friends throughout most of elementary, junior high, and high school. I have spent many days and nights at the Borg house on siesta Drive. I probably logged a month or longer total time in their old maroon colored suburban. Patty always made me feel safe and welcome. I recall one time when my parents left on a 2 week vacation to Israel. Patty and Alan agreed to host me. I was a little homesick and Patty helped me feel better. She was a natural at helping people. Her laugh was something you could hear and feel throughout their entire house. My expression of condolences for Alan, Marty and the rest of the Borg family. They are an amazing family, and have held “true to the faith” and will surely see her again! Love, Paul and Kara Kelly .
Alan & family, our sincere condolences as we read of Pat’s passing. What a gracious woman. You two have lived an amazing life together…a life that continues on. Like you, we are thankful for Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. May you feel Heaven’s peace, love and comfort at this tender time
It is with a heavy heart that I am expressing my deepest condolences to you dear Alan and family! I was so stunned to learn of Patti's passing, this week.
To know Patti is to love Patti!!! She was truly a ray of sunshine and a blessing to all!!! I loved my 17 years living in her neighborhood and being blessed by her joyful, loving and enthusiastic nature. She was beautiful inside and out. Her sparkling eyes and broad smile made you feel in a place of warmth and love. Life was just better in her presence!!! May God's tender blessings be with all of your family, during this difficult time. You are loved dearly!!
Nunca habrán palabras suficientes de consuelo cuando un ser amado a partido, sin embargo se que es Jesucristo y su evangelio lo que nos da el consuelo que necesitamos. Siempre estarás en mi corazón mamá Pat Borg. Y se que nos veremos de nuevo. 😞😔
Oh Hermana Borg truly is the most special woman I’ve ever met. She has had the greatest and most wonderful impact on my life of anyone near and dear to me. When I say I hope to be like her someday, it is because she emulates the love of our Savior Jesus Christ ever so radiantly. I love her so big and cherish the incredible memories we had serving in Peru together. I will never forget her hugs, and her laughs and when she would say “Ohhhhhhh” and her voice would quiver up and down. That always made me laugh so hard. She was well-aware of the boy I dated before my mission and always rooted for us to end up together. Now that we are together, married and with 5 children I cherish that she was a party of that love story. And never let me give up on him. We got together over the summer and she held my baby and we sat and laughed about our favorite moments in Peru and it’s such a fond recent memory that I’m so grateful to have.
More than anything, I’ll remember what she made me feel. She made me feel so very loved. She made me feel like I could be and accomplish anything and everything. My ultimate cheerleader on the mission and always. I love her so very much and offer my sincerest, most heartfelt condolences. Prayers for the entire Borg family! Until we meet again.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Patty. Words can not due justice concerning her wonderful smile and upbeat happiness. We will truly miss her.
My deepest condolences Pte Borg, may the Lord be with you in these sad moments. We love
Jean and I express our deepest sympathies for your loss. God bless!
Querida familia Borg , han transcurrido 10 años cuando terminé la misión yo estaba a la mitad de misión y los conocí , los quiero mucho por qué ustedes demostraron amor con cada misionero mis condolencias por la partida de hna. Borg pero se que está en mundo mejor los quiero y aprecio mucho
I will always love and cherish the memories I have of Hermana Borg. She greeted us missionaries with a hug and a smile each time she saw us and radiated love for all those around her. I can still remember her laugh, especially from when I called her to tell her I broke a tooth on the mission and looked like a hillbilly. She was the kindest, most positive person that made those around her feel special. She truly emulated Christ in her life!
Que triste noticia, la partida de esta tierra de una mujer tan llena de virtudes. En la misión aprendí mucho de su humildad y amor.
Hasta vernos con el rey.
Sentido pésame; me siento triste por la noticia pero le pido a Dios consuelo para su familia , le ame mucho su amor por la obra y paciencia de aprender español es increíble aun recuerdo cada momento con ella mi mamá de la misión esta en buen lugar ahora .Presidente Borg le amamos
Una sonrisa maravillosa que llenaba mi alma cada vez que la veía.
Gracias por su amor
Hasta vernos con el Rey
Presidente, gracias por el tiempo de compartio con nosotros, aunque mi tiempo con ustedes fue muy corto apenas 3 meses, me siento muy afortunado de porder conocerlos. La hermana Borg era una persona Maravillosa y se sin duda alguna que creia en este fabuloso plan de nuestro Padre para nosotros. Algun dia la volveremos a ver.
Forty-two years ago It was my incredible good fortune to move into Patti's Neighborhood. I call it that because it truly was Patti's Neighborhood. She and Alan were some of the original settlers in this little alcove of flatland tucked in the foothills along Little Cottonwood Creek. It was a new development and homes were sprouting and young families were pumping out babies right and left. But there was something special - almost magical- about this place. Patti and Alan lived there. Each new occupant would experience the inescapable joy of Patti’s welcome. Hi Banana! would ring out as you walked or drove by, and her smile would light up the day ahead. The miraculous thing about her love of life, and everyone around her, was so powerful that it was contagious - and we couldn’t help but catch it. We became not only neighbors, but friends who genuinely cared about each other. The example of acceptance without judgement, unselfish service, and sheer delight in the everyday living of life they exuded permeated the very air and we all were lifted and lead by it.
And so for 42 years Patti has been the heart and soul of this special place. To say she will be missed doesn’t come close to describing the loss we feel. But Heaven just got an extra-special infusion of joyful delight radiating from our dear, dear friend, Patti. How happy they must be to have her back.
We love you, Patti.
Dear Alan and Family,
My heartfelt sympathy and love to all of you as you celebrate the life of one of God’s beautiful daughters’
Pat was a ray of sunshine when we were teens walking the halls and participating in Pep Club during our fun high school years. She genuinely loved her fellow classmates and showed it whenever interacting with her. Always kind, a beautiful smile and inclusive in her demeanor. I’m delighted you and she have had such a wonderful, long married life together and the birth of an awesome family. May your memories of her serve all of you to find peace and joy knowing that she was loved by so many people her life touched on her journey here. Love and friendship to you Alan as I know the sting and sorrow of loss dear old childhood neighborhood friend. I’m sure it gives you much peace to know you will be with her again beyond the veil. In my loss of my dear Tom, some days, it’s all that keeps me from deep sorrow. 💖🙏💖
Hello! There’s no one like Patti and we love her so much. She was instrumental in our growing up years. Always a ray of light and kind and made everyone so so happy. So grateful to have known her and been influenced by her.
Alan-Rick and I were so shocked to hear about Pat’s passing. She was the kind of friend who, no matter how long it had been since seeing her, it was as if it was just yesterday!! She was the only one who ever called me Denise-ee 😂 and her laugh was contagious ♥️ I’m sure she and Susan are catching up on everything now. Our prayers are with you and your sweet family as you navigate this time without your beloved Pat.
Our hearts go out to your family at such a time of loss. My love for Patty is deep. I will forever cherish the experiences we shared when serving together in our Primary Presidency years ago, and the remarkable lessons I learned from her example of love for others. May you each find comfort in the knowledge that she is nearby and will be with you again.
Our hearts go out to your family at such a time of loss. My love for Patty is deep. I will forever cherish the experiences we shared when serving together in our Primary Presidency years ago, and the remarkable lessons I learned from her example of love for others. May you each find comfort in the knowledge that she is nearby and will be with you again.
Dear Alan and Family,
I'm so sorry about Patty's passing, what a wonderful friend and person she was. I only happened on the obituary this evening in preparation of the obit for my ex-husband. She was such a good friend to me in high school and college. Although I had not seen her since our 50th High School reunion I have thought of her often, including today before reading about her here. There must be such solace in knowing Patty lived a beautiful life filled with the joy of family, friends and her faith.
Sincerely, Mary Ellen
