Patricia Grace Wastell Berndt

Patricia Grace Wastell Berndt
Resident of El Cerrito
Patricia (Pat) Berndt died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on March 30, 2013.
Pat was born in Berkeley on May 8, 1932, graduated from Berkeley High class of 1950, and lived her entire life in the Bay Area, including the last 50 years in El Cerrito.
Pat was devoted to her husband, Kenneth, for nearly 60 years. Pat and Ken met in Berkeley in 1949, leading to a 4-year courtship, marriage and three children: Michael, Kevin and Stacey.
Pat loved her family, and also loved to serve her community. Pat dedicated her life volunteering for these organizations: Cystic Fibrosis for over 60 years; American Cancer Society for over 50 years; LITA (Love Is the Answer); Thumbelina Chapter of Children's Home Society; Our Club; the El Cerrito Women's Club; Inner Wheel; the Dutch Club; and the "Forget-Me-Nots." She was a long-time Deacon at El Cerrito's Northminster Presbyterian Church and when her children were young, a Sunday School Teacher. She also served as a Cub Scout den mother, Brownie troop leader, and President of the PTA for Fairmont Elementary. Pat was among the original volunteers at Contra Costa Civic Theatre (CCCT) and still served as Opening Night Box Office volunteer until age 80. She was also a member of the El Cerrito Historical Society. In 1974, Pat received the City of El Cerrito's highest honor, "Citizen of the Year".
Over the years, Pat worked for the Pacific Telephone Company, Hink's Department Store, and Colombo's Delicatessen. In addition, she wrote "People Around El Cerrito" for the West County Times, and most recently, served as secretary for the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce until her retirement at age 76, and continued to volunteer her services until age 80!
Pat leaves her devoted husband Kenneth; children Michael (Cheryl); Kevin (Vicki); Stacey (David Lawn); grandchildren Lisa, Greg, Danielle (Raymond Egan), Jeff, Mackenzie, Michael and Matthew; great grandchildren Dylan, Bradley and Gianna; sister-in-law Lois Curtin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pat also leaves a multitude of friends and acquaintances, in addition to her beloved El Cerrito.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider: American Cancer Society, CCCT, Cystic Fibrosis, LITA of Contra Costa County or your favorite charity.
A Celebration of Pat's Life will take place at Sunset View Cemetery in El Cerrito on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow.