Patricia Ellen "Pat" Virden Hodgson

Patricia Ellen “Pat” Virden Hodgson, 82, of Villa Rica, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026.

Patricia was born on April 6, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, to Lela Pearl Sigman and was lovingly raised by her adoptive father, James Joseph Ansboury. Throughout her life, Pat was known for her dedication to family, her Catholic faith, her community, and the many lives she touched through her strength and service.

Pat married John Hodgson in 1989, and together they made their home in Fairfield Plantation. During their early years there, they devoted countless hours to serving their community. Pat organized the Bridge Club and managed the timeshare and Property Owners Association (POA) office, while John served as the volunteer fire chief. Their commitment to Fairfield reflected their shared spirit of service and the relationships they built with those around them.

A devoted Catholic, Pat was a longtime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where she had been an active parishioner for over 45 years. She was a respected leader within the parish, serving as president of the Parish Council and as a member of the Legion of Mary. She also played an important role in the church’s nursery program, contributing to the care and oversight of the children and supporting the families within her parish.

Professionally, Pat was one of the first women to serve as an executive regional manager for Kroger, dedicating decades to her career. Her leadership, determination, and work ethic were hallmarks of her professional life.

Yet some of Pat and John’s most treasured years came after retirement. Together, they helped raise Jackson and Garrison Edwards, caring for the boys from infancy through much of their high school years. What began as helping care for two little boys grew into one of the greatest joys of their lives. Pat and John loved Jackson and Garrison as their own grandchildren, and the boys knew them simply as Mama Pat and Papa John.

They read stories before afternoon naps, cheered from the bleachers at as many ballgames as possible, and attended theater performances with pride. They treasured every handmade card, piece of artwork, and photo calendar the boys gave them, keeping each one as a reminder of the memories they shared. The love between them was that of family in every sense of the word, and those years brought Pat and John immeasurable happiness.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Donnolo; her grandchildren, Jamie Darcy and Jonathan Cagle, whom she welcomed into the family as her first grandchildren, along with three additional grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her brother and sister-in-law, James and Jackie Ansboury; and her goddaughters, Ginny Edwards and Martha Harrison.

Pat’s life was one of devotion to her family, her faith, her community, and the children she loved so dearly. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the memories that will continue to bring comfort and joy to those who knew her.

Funeral Service

A funeral Mass will be held on November 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, located at 210 Old Center Point Road, Carrollton, GA 30117.

In keeping with Pat and John’s wishes, they will be buried together following the service. A celebration of life will follow in the church hall.