Patricia Dawn Wells Gibbs

Patricia Dawn Wells Gibbs passed away peacefully Jan. 6, 2016, surrounded by family. This beautiful woman who was so full of life and energy had nothing left to give. Patricia was a “giver” her whole life and truly served as the matriarch of her family. Patricia was born Dec. 3, 1928, in Anaconda, Montana, to Frank and Frances Wells. She often shared stories of her upbringing and her time with her parents and siblings. This is where her love of family was rooted and flowered. She cared deeply about her siblings and felt lost once Billie, her last living sibling, had passed. She eventually met John T. Gibbs in Idaho, married him and settled in Tooele, Utah. They raised a family of three children — Kathy Gibbs Pizzello, Denise Gibbs Brigante (Jerry) and John Michael Gibbs. They started an optical practice and enjoyed many successful years of business. Patricia and John later divorced but remained friends. They loved their children and glowed while telling stories from the past. Family was always most important, but Patricia enjoyed life in so many ways. She loved her work as an optician and helped to build optical practices in Tooele and West Valley City. Giving people the gift of sight is something she always took pride in doing. She was active in St. Thomas More and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Churches and valued the relationships she built there. She loved playing bridge with her friends and getting her hair and nails done. Patricia is survived by daughter Kathy Gibbs Pizzello; grandchildren Kris Brigante (Sandi), Stephanie Brigante Waters (Anthony), Brighton Gibbs, Aaron Gibbs (Rachael), Scott Pizzello and Ashley Pizzello Scothern (Travis) and great-grandchildren Connor, Patrick, Mayson, Lucas, Kaden, Vincent, Carolyn and Johnny. Special thanks to the Orlando family, whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Frances Wells; siblings Billie Wells Hammond, Sue Wells, Larry Wells, Ray Wells and Kelly Wells; husband John T. Gibbs and children Denise Gibbs Brigante and John Michael Gibbs. Those wishing to pay their final respects may join us for services Friday, Jan. 15, at St. Thomas More Church (3015 Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights). Services begin with a 10 a.m. vigil followed by a memorial mass at 11 a.m. Graveside services will be held at Mountain View Memorial Estates (3115 E. 7800 South, Salt Lake City) at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Thomas More Church, St. Vincent de Paul Church or the charity of your choice. To send condolences to the family visit www.memorialutah.com.