2 weeks Ago
Birth: 1935 Death: 2024 Patricia Gayle Harris, aged 88, passed away on October 14, 2024, in Scotts Valley, California. Born on November 28, 1935, in Beverly Hills, CA, Patricia–Patti–lived life on her own terms and found joy in her love for reading, opera, classical music, travel, hiking, and crafts. Above all, she cherished her family and loved nothing more than gathering with her large family, especially her great-grandchildren.
Raised in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Montecito, California, Patricia attended Rosemary Hall, a private all-girls preparatory school, before continuing her education at UC Santa Barbara. It was at UCSB that she met her first husband, Prentice (Pete) Douglas with whom she moved to Miramar Beach, Half Moon Bay. Together, they raised their three daughters and ran the Ebb Tide Cafe and later established a jazz and classical venue, the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society.
Patricia later met her second husband and soulmate, John Robert (Bob) Harris, and moved to Montara, California. Together, they shared a love for the outdoors, hiking, and traveling–exploring destinations such as the Sierra Nevada’s, Europe, Thailand, and even the Himalayas. They shared a life of sobriety and were actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous, where Patricia served as a mentor and speaker.
An avid reader, Patricia collected a vast number of books. Her love for music, particularly opera, led her to become a long-time member of the San Francisco Opera, where she enjoyed countless performances. Crafting was another of her loves; especially stitchery.
And let’s not forget her passion for great meals–especially dessert! Patricia is survived by her daughters, Linda Gayle Tichenor (Tony), Barbara Douglas Riching, and Virginia Ann Castillo; her grandchildren, Anthony Ackerman (Cassie), Aaron Ackerman (Camerina), Andrew Ackerman (Mandi), Chelsea Juarez (Michael and Amy), Tina Castillo (Sam), Maxwell Riching, and Briana Svendson (Chris); and several great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister, Susan A. (Sam) Mendenhall; her stepdaughters Susan Oslar and Sarah Trombley and step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Harris; father, Jack Rowland Mendenhall; mother, Nona-Gayle (Billie) Baker; stepfather, Samuel (Sparky) Murdoch Parslow; stepson Richard Harris; brothers John Mendenhall Parslow, Nicholas Parslow, Jack Marvin Mendenhall and Harry Mendenhall; and sister Marcie Trask. Patricia’s life was full; she woke up every day happy full of love for her family. Patricia will be remembered for her humor, charisma and strong personality.
She did it her own way! Honor with Flowers In memory of Patricia Gayle Plant a Living Memorial In memory of Patricia Gayle.
