Patricia Saunders Arnold passed away peacefully at Hospice on September 28, 2024, at the beautiful age of ninety-four just days after a family celebration of her birthday. Pat grew up in Lakeland Florida as the only child of Isabel Derzie Saunders and Richard Saunders. Pat attended Lakeland High School with such luminaries as former Governor and United States Senator, Lawton Chiles. Following high school, she attended Florida Southern College. Pat is predeceased by her late husbands, John Benson, Junior, and later, her husband, Gordon Arnold.
Pat is survived by close cousin, Box Paxton and loving stepchildren, David Arnold (Melody), Gale Zeliff (Robert), Mary Quinlan (John), and Cliff Arnold, as well as numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved friend, Tina Crawford, and the family is deeply indebted to her for her compassionate love for Pat.
Pat was renowned as a gourmet cook always bringing the best appetizers, entrees, and desserts to family gatherings. Pat served as the food critic for the Bradenton Herald for about 10 years. Pat was a licensed airplane pilot, flying frequently with her late husband, John Benson, Junior. She also braved the sea, sailing extensively with her late husband Gordon Arnold. Pat kept a map of the world with pins in all the places she visited, with her final count at well over one hundred pins. Among her treasured travel memories were travelling to Thailand, cooking sessions in France, stomping of grapes in Italy and going on two camera safaris to Africa.
For decades, Pat faithfully served her community in leadership roles as President of the Manatee County Girls Club, President of Junior League of Manatee County, and President of Manatee County Service Club. Service to the community under her leadership always felt like a privilege and never a chore.
Pat was a devoted Christian and was a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 25 years, giving her voice to the praise of God in its choir for decades, forming a special bond with music director, Ted Hayes.
At Pat's request, there will be no visitation, and a memorial service will be held on October 26, 2024, at 3 pm at Brown Funeral Home 604, 43rd St, W, Bradenton, Florida.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
