Ida “Pat” Hedlund died peacefully in Marreo, Louisiana on May 23, 2023, at the age of 88. Born Ida Mae Rankin on December 7, 1934, in Collins, Mississippi, Pat grew up with her mother and stepfather, Myrtle and Henry McKinley. Following high school, she began a career with South Central Bell where she worked as an operator for 25 years. A lover of animals, she and her husband Arnold were known to always have numerous chihuahuas and cats in their home. Pat was a former resident of Gulf Port, Mississippi, New Orleans, Louisiana, Gouldsboro, and Surry, Maine before spending nearly 30 years in Fairhope, Alabama. She returned to New Orleans in 2017 to be near family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Teddy Gentry, her husband, Arnold Hedlund of Fairhope and son, Colin Hedlund of New Orleans. She is survived by four grandchildren, Scott (Jacque) Hedlund of New Orleans, Greg Hedlund of New Orleans, Ryan (Kathryn) Hedlund of Mobile, Christy (Stefan) Benoit of Baton Rouge; six great grandchildren, Theo, Colin II, Anna, Kai, Casey, and Chloe; and her daughter-in-law, Mollie Hedlund of New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to The Haven Animal Shelter, Fairhope, Alabama, www.havenforanimals.org A private memorial service will be held at Westlawn Memorial Park. MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family during this difficult time. Family and friends may offer condolences at mothefunerals.com.
