Patty Lake Cady passed away on June 6, 2021, in Houston, Texas at the age of 72. She was a passionate payroll professional who shared her talents and knowledge with everyone.
Patty was involved in many national and local committees. She was named Payroll Woman of the Year in 1996 and served for many years on the APA Board of Directors, through 2009. Patty also volunteered with the Hotline Referral Service, Government Relations Task Force, National Speakers Bureau, and as an APA Ambassador.
Patty volunteered with the Texas Payroll Conference and held leadership roles at several chapters across the country, including the Northstar Chapter in Minnesota, the First State Chapter in Delaware, and The Woodlands Chapter and Texas Bluebonnet Chapter in Texas. Throughout the years, she was a President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Study Group Coordinator, Event Coordinator, Chapter Coordinator, and all-around payroll expert whom you could turn to with any questions or concerns.
Many chapter leaders in Texas and across the country shared their favorite memories and condolences for Patty:
“Patty was a longtime friend and mentor. She was instrumental in building the Houston Chapter and was a Founding Board Member of the Texas Payroll Conference. Not many involved today understand the important roles she played in establishing and supporting payroll education in Texas and APA.”
- Stuart Evans, CPP, Retired Payroll Professional
“I had the pleasure of meeting Patty through The Woodlands Chapter of the APA and later worked with her at Aon Hewitt. I was honestly a little intimidated by Patty when I first met her. She had a reputation of being THE payroll tax guru, a legend in all things payroll, and one tough cookie. When Patty spoke, you paid attention. If she sent out an explanation on a tax or legislative update, you read every word because you knew it was important.
“I ran into Patty a couple of years ago at Congress in Nashville, TN in an IRS Update session. We chatted a bit afterwards where she told me she was not feeling well but had another session to get to, so she zipped away on her scooter. That was the last time I saw her in person.
“I told Patty many times how much I respected her knowledge and expertise, but I never told her just how much I looked up to her and what an impact she had on my career. She leaves a tremendous legacy behind and will be missed dearly.”
- Liz Bennett, CPP, President of The Woodlands Chapter of the APA
“I will forever remember Patty. She taught me so much at CPP class back in 1993 for the Houston Chapter. May peace and comfort be with her family and may she Rest In Peace and run that perfect payroll in heaven.”
- Kelly Klitz, CPP, Member of the Houston Chapter
“Patty was an inspiration to me and responsible for all the work I ended up doing in certification with the APA. She was an amazing woman and truly always ready to help. Rest in Peace, Patty.”
- Sarona-Lee Wilde, CPP, Member of the Heart of Oregon Chapter
“Patti was a wonderful person and always available if you needed advice. She was one of 10 of us at APA’s first speaker training 32 years ago. I’ll always remember her!”
- Jim Medlock, CPP, Retired Payroll Educator
“This a great loss to the Payroll Community. Patty was an awesome teacher, mentor, and friend. She will be greatly missed.”
- Bruce Phipps, CPP, President of APA
“I am sorry to hear that the payroll community has lost Patty Lake Cady, a true Payroll Champion, and one of the most positive people I have ever met! Patty, we will remember you”.
- Lois Fried, CPP, Past-President of APA
More comments from friends and family can be found on Patty’s Facebook page.
Her obituary and a video tribute can be found here, where you are welcome to share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Cady family.
