Patricia VanSise Dillow, 81, of Hollywood, went to her Lord and Savior on August 14, 2011 after battling a long illness. She was surrounded by family and close friends at the time of her death. She was born in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 1930. She was the daughter of the late Theodore and Mazie VanSise.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas M. Dillow, a life-long resident of St. Mary's County.

She is survived by three daughters, Karan Lee Dillow, Danielle Marie Fields, and Mary Robin McGolrick; and four sons, Thomas M. Dillow Jr., William David Dillow, Richard Paul Dillow, and James Patrick Dillow. In addition to her children, she is survived by their spouses; Peggy Dillow, John Fields, Ellie Ritchie, Barbara Dillow, and Chip McGolrick. There are 15 grandchildren, Steven, Jason, Jaime, Nick, Ryan, Heather, Rachel, David, Sarah, Joey, Jessica, Jack, Katlyn, Natalie and Melanie, and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was a loving and generous wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed numerous crafts, antiquing, gardening and tending her flowers. As an avid shopper, she always found great bargains and unique gifts for family and friends. She enjoyed overnight trips to Dover Downs and traveling to visit family and friends.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Hollywood on Thursday, August 18 at 11 a.m., with interment to follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, Maryland 20636.

In closing, the family would like to acknowledge Lisa Wood for the many hours of loving care provided to our mother during her illness.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.