Patti Austin Barnes, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on April 19, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on July 17, 1935, to Curtis Lyon and Katharine Jackson Barnes, Patti lived a life of passion, perseverance and sportsmanship.
Patti's formative early years were spent in Philadelphia, where she attended Springside School. An exceptional athlete, Patti earned All-American honors in lacrosse, basketball, and field hockey. She was also a passionate horsewoman and her love of horses continued throughout her life.
After graduating from Springside School, Patti pursued her interest in medicine by enrolling in the Nursing School at Cornell. Upon receiving her undergraduate degree in Microbiology from the University of Pennsylvania, she began her career in genetics at John’s Hopkins. Later, she returned to the University of Pennsylvania and supported groundbreaking research on genetic recombination in bacteriophage. Her laboratory work not only contributed to the field of genetics, but her vivacious personality united her laboratory with the broader scientific community.
Patti's most pleasurable hours were spent on the golf course of the Philadelphia Cricket Club, where she made history as the first woman to sink a hole-in-one. This evidence of her skill brought immense pride to her father, who dutifully fulfilled the tradition of buying drinks for the entire country club! Her competitive spirit continued to her final years, leading the Kingsmill Ladies Golf Team to numerous victories in Williamsburg, VA.
Patti passed away in Alexandria, VA, close to family. She is survived by her four children and three grandchildren, who will cherish her memory and celebrate her remarkable life. Patti is also survived by her sister and brother, who reside in New England.
To honor her commitment to medicine, Patti donated her body to the Georgetown University Anatomical Donor Program - a final wish that is consistent with her generous spirit and lifelong dedication to medical education and research. Once her remains are returned to the family, she will be interred at the family plot in Philadelphia.
A memorial service will be held at a future date. If you wish to honor Patti’s memory, please consider contributing to a nearby homeless shelter or to your favorite charity.
