Patricia M. Bilyo (Doubrava) of Gold Canyon, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly December 20, 2022.
Born February 28, 1952, in New Haven, Connecticut, to the late Edward Doubrava and Tessie Drozdowski, and raised in Ansonia, “Patty” was a vibrant and caring soul who added joy to the lives of all who she encountered. A loving wife, aunt, sister, friend, and proud owner of many dogs throughout her life, Patty made every effort to always be a kind, humorous, and comforting presence.
Patty’s 50-year career as a nurse allowed her to connect with countless patients and colleagues. After earning her Diploma in Nursing from Saint Vincent’s School of Nursing in 1972, she served as a pediatric nurse manager at Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut, and at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven for a combined 20 years.
Patty relocated to Gold Canyon in 1994 and was appointed the Director of Nursing at Phoenix Mountain Nursing Center. In 1997, she transitioned to nursing in a correctional setting in Florence, where she would spend the remainder of her career. Her compassionate and professional demeanor made her a role model among her fellow nurses.
An avid animal lover, Patty volunteered at the Arizona Beagle Rescue for many years. Her lifelong commitment to the Beagle Rescue involved fostering dogs, conducting home visits to families considering adoptions, and visiting and playing with dogs awaiting adoption. She always rose to the occasion and took on the hard cases. Patty paid special attention to the dogs that had health issues, were neglected or abused, and was able to give them wonderful lives. If she saw a dog wandering on the side of the road, Patty would pick them up, provide them food and water, and alert the entire neighborhood about a lost dog. She would not rest until the dog was returned to its owner.
Additionally, Patty enjoyed trapshooting, shopping for Southwestern jewelry, going to the movies, attending church, and traveling with her family. A curious mind for cars, she was a loyal member of the Sun Country Corvette Club. A consummate organizer, Patty was the person in charge of Corvette Club trips to corrections facilities, their annual Fourth of July lunch at Gold Canyon Resort, and planning fundraising events for the Beagle Rescue.
Patty’s smile and tenderness will be missed by all who knew her. Always seeking out old and new friends alike, she took the time to listen to others and was the perfect companion to many. She was selfless, compassionate, funny, patriotic, sentimental, and decent.
Above all, Patty considered her family the most important part of her life. A loving and proud aunt to three nephews — Kyle, Corey, and Brett Doubrava — a devoted wife of 39 years to William Bilyo, the eldest of two surviving siblings, Janet and Edward Doubrava, and the doting mother of two dogs, Coors and Estella, the love she provided has made a profound impact on those she leaves behind. Never forgetting a birthday or attending an important life event, Patty cherished the time spent with her loved ones, and her family cherished their time with her.
She is survived by husband William Bilyo of Gold Canyon; sister Janet Doubrava of South Kingstown, Rhode Island; brother Edward Doubrava and his wife Michaela of South Jordan, Utah; nephews Kyle Doubrava and Brett Doubrava of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Corey Doubrava of Scottsdale, Arizona; and beloved dogs Coors and Estella.
There will be a Mass to celebrate Patty’s life Wednesday, December 28, at 12 p.m. at St. George’s Catholic Church (300 E 16th Ave, Apache Junction, Arizona). In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Arizona Beagle Rescue would be appreciated.
My heartfelt condolences to Bill and the family. Patty you will be missed by all who knew you.
To my beautiful friend and mentor. So many wonderful memories that bring a smile to my face. Your love for your family, your friends, your profession, and your pets was extraordinary. You will be missed.
Artie Cordova
Patty was one of a kind. I loved her so much as a neighbor and friend. We used to walk our dogs together most mornings when she didn’t have to work talking about everything . We usually made about it around the neighborhood which was about two miles. When dogs and we got older , walks were shorter but we still kept in touch by text or phone or even waving to each other over her fence. I will miss my friend so much. My deepest sympathy to Bill and family.
I worked with Patty for 11 years at CCA. She was such a sweet honest person and a good friend. We had a lot of laughs and enjoyed lunches with her and Bill and some of us retired folks. She arranged a beautiful retirement party for me which I will always remember. She will be greatly missed and I offer my prayers for Bill and the family through this difficult time Priscilla Barr
My thoughts and prayers to you Bill and all of your family!
Patty, I’m so glad that I knew you. You’re an amazing woman. You will be missed by all. You are with GOD now.
Patty, you be terribly missed but you never be forgotten. Your smiling face and stunning deposition and a loving individual. I’m so glad to have known you and Bill. The Lord is waiting with open arms and the Angels are singing. Love you and miss you.
PATTY, you always had a smile on your face and I will surly miss seeing you at our club events.you are now in GODS care for ever more,rest in peace.
PATTY, I will miss your smiling face at our club events.you are now in GODS care for ever more.rest in peace .
My Dear Patty,
You are a beautiful giving woman who always put others first. We were very lucky to know you and feel your warmth.
Many of us still don’t want to accept you have left but in reality you haven’t left us. GOD just put you elsewhere.
I must admit I’m still angered at the doctor and hospital for what happened but GOD wanted you.
Please know since I can’t be present at your Mass I still am present via my thoughts and love for you.
I will never forget you. That’s my promise to you.
Be well Young Lady.
I miss you so much.
A beautiful lady inside and out. Beautiful memorial/celebration of life today . You will be missed Miss Patty B.
Such a kind person and amazing nurse. She will be missed.
I wish I could call you and you tell me this is just a bad dream. I miss you so much.
Patty always brought “LIGHT” wherever there was “DARKNESS”