Patricia Marie O'Connor

 

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Marie O’Connor.  Patricia passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2024, at the age of 76, after bravely confronting a short battle with cancer.  She was a bright light in the world and will be deeply missed by many.  

Born on September 13, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, Pat was the daughter of Paul and Lupe Flores. She grew up with a zest for life that she carried into adulthood. After graduating from The Intercontinental Academy High School in Mexico City, where her father served as a U.S. Diplomat, Pat moved back to the States and began pursuing her undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland.  In 1965, she met her future husband, John, at the University’s Newman Catholic Center who quickly won her over after offering to carry her books for her. Their love blossomed, and they were married soon after in 1969.  Deeply in love, they began a journey of fun and adventure and looked forward to living a long and happy life together.  They started their life together in Maryland both working for the Federal Government. Within a couple of years of being married, they started a family eventually having two daughters.  

In 1978 the family relocated to Napa, California which she called home for her remaining years.  Together Pat and John raised two daughters, Lisa and Cathy, who were the light of her life. Pat's devotion to her family was unwavering, and her greatest joy came from spending time with them. She was a loving mother, always supportive and nurturing.  Growing up, she was their biggest fan and if she wasn’t coaching them, she was in attendance at every game they played cheering them on proudly for all to hear.

Later in life, Pat went back to school earning a degree in Mexican-American Studies as well as a Teaching Credential.  She was passionate about her work as a teacher in the Newcomer Program at Silverado Middle School supporting students from countries all over the world and helping them build the language and academic skills necessary to make a successful transition to a new country and school system.  

In 2011, Pat retired, allowing her more time to indulge in her favorite activities. She loved spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, trying new things, volunteering, and simply finding joy in each and every day. Pat was not only the heart and soul of her family but of her friend group as well.  She had a gift for bringing people together and her warm smile, generous spirit, and infectious laugh endeared her to all who knew her. Her presence in our lives will be deeply missed.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, John, her two daughters Lisa and Cathy, and her four grandchildren, Jake, Ryan, Devin, and Malina. She also leaves behind cherished memories that will forever live on in the hearts of her extended family, friends, and coworkers who loved her dearly.

Services to celebrate Pat’s life will be held on August 8th and 9th. Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 8th between 9:30 am to 8:00 pm at Tulocay Funeral Home, with a rosary service at 5:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 9th at 11:00 am at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, where we will come together to honor and remember the beautiful life of Patricia Marie O’Connor.

Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know and be loved by her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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