Nadia Sawalha’s longtime family nanny has passed away.

The Loose Women panellist took to Instagram on Monday (January 26) to pay a touching tribute to Pat, who supported the Sawalha family for “over 10 years” and became like a “second mom” to Nadia and her husband Mark Adderley’s children Maddie and Kiki.

Nadia, 61, captioned a series of photos of Pat with her family over the years: “Pat… how can I put into words what you meant to this family… you were a second mother to our precious daughters and a ‘bonus’ nan.

“You were the kind of Nan who always had a tissue in her cardigan sleeve and a babe in her pocket to make sure everything was OK. Our girls adored you. You were always their go-to.”

“I didn’t have to worry when I was at work or at play because I knew they were being looked after by someone who loved them as much as I did.

“I know many working mothers find it difficult when their children love their caregivers as much as their mother, but that was never the case for me. I loved how much your children loved you. (sic)”

The EastEnders alum then praised Pat for helping Maddie, 23, and Kiki, 18, get back on their feet.

Nadia continued. “And, to be honest, you taught them things I never could. You taught them how to tidy up their rooms, how to put their laundry in an actual laundry basket instead of the floor, how to cross the street safely (whereas I would have just run and scream).”

“You taught them how to be patient and how to match socks! You helped them clean the guinea pig cages week after week.

“They loved doing word searches and seeing who would trade with you or not (although Maddy says she couldn’t figure it out!)

“They loved how cozy, kind and quiet you were. So important considering how loud and sassy moms they were. We were the yin and yang moms in their lives…(sic)”

The vlogger concluded his heartfelt eulogy by thanking Pat for his contribution.

Nadia said, “Pat, not only were you a second mother and a friend to this girl, but you were also my friend.

“You have been so supportive of me for over 10 years. You were with us almost every day. We loved traveling far and wide and seeing the world with us.

“Pat, you will always live on in our hearts and minds. Rest in peace for now. You were such an amazing woman and our family is better for you. (sic)”

In the comments section of the post, Mark, 56, added: “So beautifully expressed how important she was to the very fiber of our daughters, the foundation of this family. She was a dear friend. She can get a joke back to me faster than anyone I know xxxx (sic).”

Pat’s death comes one month after Nadia’s best friend Hannah Gardner passed away on December 27 at the age of 39 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Hannah was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 after discovering a lump in her left breast.

Hannah received treatment, but the disease returned in 2017 and 2020.

In 2022, Hannah was told she had stage 4 breast cancer, which had spread to her liver.