Patricia “Pat” Marino, 80, of Ripley passed away February 6, 2022.
She was born on October 18, 1941 in Welch, WV. Pat was raised by her parents and grandparents, the late Noah and Eliza Mahaffey and the late William and Lorena Balcoe.
She married Frank J. Marino (deceased 2015) and together they raised two children who made them very proud, Lori Ann Marino Mahan, a retired teacher and Joseph Michael “Mickey” Marino (deceased 1988).
Pat spent her life helping others. Even though she was disabled since she was 52– with a syndrome called P.O.T.S.– she made it her life’s mission to help her family through school and life. She spent countless hours tutoring family members over the phone by reading AR books, going over study guides, and teaching them their math facts. She believed every child could learn if you found the right way to reach them. Her family affectionately called her “The Motivational Speaker” because many of them received pep talks on how to live within your means, how to balance a checkbook, and how to keep a detailed bill book. The lessons they learned from her will be passed down to future generations.
Pat referred to her son-in-law Jim Mahan of Evans, as a blessing to the family. Jim was Pat’s go-to person when she wanted something done because she knew he would do it right. Twin grandchildren, Jeana Jo Marino Mahan and James Joseph “JJ” Marino Mahan brought “Nana” so much joy as she watched them grow and celebrated their many accomplishments. They were her pride and joy.
Additional survivors are sister Mary Ann Walker (June/deceased) of Ripley. Sister- in Laws: Mary Balcoe (Van) of Evans, WV, Tally Deal (Don) of Bluefield, Va., Mary Lewis (Lenny) of Welch, WV, and Jo E. Poluszek (Chris) of Fort Mill, SC. She leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by brothers Charles W. D. “Denny” Balcoe and Darrell Balcoe, and so many other cherished family members.
Pat graduated from Welch High School. She retired from The American Cancer Society and from Trader’s Bank/Ripley Branch. She often recalled opening the first account at the new bank. She was a member of West Ripley Baptist Church.
A private family funeral will be held at Waybright Funeral Home. Franklin Howerton and Jim Mahan will officiate the funeral service. The family would like to thank Mountain View Care Center and its staff for their wonderful care. A special thank you goes out to Amy Balcoe, RN-Unit Manager and Pat’s niece, for the love and care she gave her.
Remembrances in the form of random acts of kindness will be appreciated. Some examples are cook a meal for someone no longer able to do so, offer to drive the disabled to appointments, mentor a struggling student, buy a child a pair of shoes. Look around as the needs are great and each one of us can make a difference. Pat made a huge difference in the lives of others.