Patricia Ann (Patti Solano) Bergtold, 87, of Sherman, passed away May 12, 2022 following a brief illness. Patti was born October 16, 1933 in Niobrara, NE to Earl and Evelyn Reynolds. At age 16, she earned her teaching certificate and later educated Niobrara children inside a one-room schoolhouse. Her 20s found Patti a military wife. Two wars left her a virtual single parent to four active boys in consistently unfamiliar locales. While raising her sons, Patti simultaneously worked to earn her registered nurse (RN) designation from Saint Joseph’s Mercy College. She went on to manage the offices of several of Sherman’s most respected physicians.
A relentless advocate for women’s rights, Patti founded Lacies of Sherman in 1984. A consummate servant, her family home was always “safe haven” for persons in need. Mother to four musicians, she endured tortuous saxophone and/or percussion practices without complaint. An avid gardener, she could make things grow – even through the harshest Texoma summers. Her culinary abilities were unmatched and everyone loved her peach cobbler. She helped raise livestock, chickens, peacocks, guineas, and even pet raccoons. Patti loved to witness the comings and goings of the tiniest birds on Earth. Glass globes filled with sweet, red liquid hanged from towering elms scattered around her manicured lawn. Each feeder served as a hummingbird airport and refueling station. She was a gifted writer who penned countless offerings that shined truthful yet uncommon light on the plight of women in the 1950’s and 1960’s. She crafted whimsical poems – consisting of reflections on life with her very active boys.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and a three-day-old son, Henry Solano. She is survived by brother, Jerry Reynolds and wife, Mary of Bells; sister, Judy Nichols of Sherman; sons, Michael Ray Solano and wife, Joy, of Blue Ridge, Anthony Earl Solano and wife Jo of McKinney; Jerry Dean Solano of Pottsboro, and Timothy Lee Solano of Lake Texoma, OK; grandchildren Andrew Solano of Statesboro, GA, Julie Holloway and husband, James of Sherman, Angelieq Solano of Sherman, Chylynne Dean of McKinney, Jerianne Solano of Durant, OK, Presley Solano of Sherman, Timothy Solano II and wife, Brittany of Austin, Anastasia Smith and husband, John of Baltimore, MD,, Sydney Solano of McKinney and Brayden Solano of Lake Texoma, OK; nine greatgrandchildren; other family members; countless friends; and her adoring Shih Tzu, Laci.
At the decedent’s request, there will be no funeral, memorial, viewing or family night. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Grayson Crisis Center (PO Box 2112, Sherman TX 75091, 903.893.5615) in her memory.
