Obituary of Patricia Sommerfeld Barnes

We lost our beloved “Patty” on February 14, 2026. Born Patricia Ann Bloom on July 18, 1936, Patty lived an incredibly full life, traveling the world with her third husband and the love of her life, Merrill Barnes, who she married in 2010 and lost in 2020. Patty had the uncanny ability to make lasting and adoring friends; in the grocery store, at the dog groomers, on airplanes, and especially with those whom she interacted regularly. She even remained close to her elementary school friends of 80 years! Patty loved lunches with friends, telling stories (especially about her travels), and learning about – and caring for – others.

Born in Los Angeles, California to parents raised in Denver, Patty lived the first 86 years of her life in California, first primarily in the Los Angeles area and then from 1993 to 2023 in warm and sunny Palm Desert, California. In 2022 Patty’s daughter, Debbie, lost her battle with breast cancer.  After a great deal of encouragement from her son, Jonathan, and daughter-in-law, Val, and much to the chagrin of her California friends, Patty decided to move to Colorado – where “there’s snow” – to be close to Jonathan and Val. Not surprisingly, before the move she told friends, “I’m going to love it” and she did; seasons (especially Fall), weekly dinners with Jonathan and Val, family and friend gatherings, lunches with friends, and even the snow. There was no adventure that Patty wasn’t up to trying.

As an adult, Patty loved her animals, typically dogs but also a cat who adopted her who she lovingly called “He-She.” She especially loved the labradoodle Felix, who became part of the family with Merrill in 2015, and who died unexpectedly in 2024. It was especially devastating to lose her connection to Merrill. Her final family addition was the mini labradoodle Gracie, who became her loving companion in October 2024.

Patty is survived by her son Jonathan Mintz and daughter-in-law Valerie Peterson, her granddaughters Madison and Katanya Mintz, and Kailey Barnes, her sister Carol Tanenbaum and brother-in-law Fred Tanenbaum, her nieces Carrie and Erin Tanenbaum, and her loving dog Gracie.  

The Celebration of Life for Patty Barnes will be held at 10 am on March 15, 2026, in Mitchell Hall at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206. Attendees are invited to share a few words or a story about Patty, and admission to the Botanic Gardens and parking are both free. A reception will immediately follow the service in Mitchell Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in her memory to the American Cancer Society.