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Join us on Sunday, May 17th as we gather at the MDI to celebrate the life of Patricia “Patti” Howard — adored and loved by her family, friends, staff, and the community she helped shape for more than two decades. Patti was the constant that made our drive-in home. Our staff grew up with her at the helm. Generations of families heard her voice reminding them to honk those horns and turn off their lights. She was leadership, laughter, strength, and steady love — often all at once.
An animal lover through and through, Patti leaves behind her beloved puppies. In her honor, we welcome you to bring your pets to the celebration. She would have absolutely loved to see them soaking up the love right alongside all of us.
Patti was an avid Buffalo Bills fan — and we know she’ll still be rooting for her boys to make it to the Super Bowl. She loved traveling to warm places, family and friends by her side, with a delicious umbrella drink in hand. We encourage you to wear your Bills swag, add a lei or two, and celebrate her vibrant spirit.
She always had a home remedy for whatever ailed you. By the end of your shift, 9 times out of 10, you were feeling better — or at least knew exactly what to do when you got home. She shared the drive-in life with her daughters, her grandkids, and even some of your babies. There were countless nights she managed the snack bar with a customer’s little one on her hip, keeping them happy while the popcorn kept flowing.
Event Details & Timeline
6:30 PM – Gates open for mingling and celebrating (no charge for admission)
6:30–7:45 PM – Concession Central open with your drive-in favorites, plus Patti’s favorite tunes playing from a playlist.
7:45 PM – Dedication and naming of our projection booth to “Patti’s Booth” — where blood, sweat, and tears were shared bringing movies to the big screen, from the days of splicing film on trays bigger than she was to conquering the digital age
8:00–8:15 PM – Photo slideshow and eulogy
8:15 PM – Showtime: Night of the Living Dead
We invite you to leave a favorite Patti memory for us to preserve in a keepsake legacy book for her family and for future drive-in generations. Cards will be available in the snack bar and can be returned to any staff member for safekeeping. If you’re unable to attend or would prefer to share your memory digitally, please email your favorite Patti story or memory to [email protected]
We will also have special Patti tribute keepsakes available that evening, with all profits going directly to support her family during this unbelievably difficult time.
Donations to help offset end-of-life expenses and family financial costs will be accepted and deeply appreciated. We can accept cash and checks. Cards can also be accepted, though please note that a portion of card donations will be lost to processing fees. Donations can also be made to the family’s go fund me link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-pay-for-expenses-after-pattis-passing?attribution_id=sl%3A8d4f2fa3-092e-46f5-a114-4f15dfe43344&ts=1770778593288&utm_campaign=natman_today_topbar_android&utm_content=amp14_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
There will be food. There will be laughter. There will be tears. And there will be a lot of love.
Let’s fill the lot one more time for Patti.
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Event Venue
2785 State Route 9, Malta, NY, United States, New York 12020, 2785 US-9, Ballston Spa, NY 12020-4357, United States
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