Patricia B. Barilla

Patricia Bender Barilla, age 93, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Patricia was the daughter of the late Thomas William Bender and the late Anne Christine (Plunkett) Bender.

Patricia was a graduate of Harrisburg Catholic High School, where she was head cheerleader and named best athlete. She was especially proud of her Irish heritage and enjoyed a memorable trip to Ireland with her sisters.

Before her marriage, Patricia worked as a bookkeeper with the Department of the Army. She was married to her husband, the late Andrew Barilla, for more than 60 years. A devoted Catholic, Patricia was a longtime member of St. Margaret Catholic Church, where she was active in the parish community for 60 years. Her faith guided her throughout her life, and she was dedicated to supporting many social justice causes.

Patricia enjoyed a variety of interests throughout her life. In her younger years, she was an avid bowler. She was also an avid reader and especially treasured spending time with her grandchildren.

Patricia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose faith, heritage, compassion, and love for her family were central to her life. She will be remembered with great affection by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband and parents, Patricia was predeceased by her nine siblings, Joan, Thomas, Nancy, Olivia, Richard, Carole, Kathryn, Anne, and James.

She is survived by her loving children, Christine (Edward) Nell, Patricia (Bradley) Kaplon, Thomas Barilla, Kathryn (Neil) Beller, and Joan Barilla (Edward Gille); her grandchildren, Megan, Lindsey, Elizabeth (Jacob), Natalie, Andrew, and Lukas; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Family and friends may gather for visitation on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at McComas Family Funeral Homes, Bel Air.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church.

Interment will follow at Bel Air Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at https://www.cff.org/donate.