Patricia Ann Gryson

1928 - 2020

Patricia Ann Gryson Patricia (Pat) Gryson, 91, passed away peacefully at home on September 13, 2020, in the presence of her family. Pat will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her witty sense of humor, cheerful smile and infectious laugh; her friendliness, compassion and selfless desire to help others; and her lifelong passion for learning and education. These traits manifested in multiple ways throughout her life and touched many. Pat was born November 22, 1928 to Henry and Jennie Huddleston in Prescott, Arizona. A 1946 graduate and Merit Cup recipient of Prescott High, Pat was the first in her family to go to college, graduating in 1950 from the University of Arizona with a BA in Education. After graduation, she moved to San Francisco with a sorority sister to begin her teaching career. She went on to earn her Masters Degree in School Administration from University of San Francisco in June 1964 and worked for the San Francisco Unified School District for 13 years, first as a teacher and later as Assistant Principal. Pat met Joe Gryson on Thanksgiving Day in 1959 in a humorous incident of mistaken identity. She declined his first invitation for a date, but he was persistent; she eventually agreed to go out with him and they were married two years later. In 1964, their first child, Karen, arrived. Pat continued to work until she and Joe decided to move to Marin to open his orthodontic practice. She then resigned and devoted her energy to her growing family, as their second child, David, was born in early 1966. When the children were young, Pat served as President for the Women's Dental Auxiliary and served two terms on the Dixie School Board. After the children were grown, Pat found new ways to remain actively involved and serve the community, hiking weekly with friends, ushering at the Marin Symphony, and volunteering in the gift shops at Kaiser Hospital and the Marin Civic Center. She also worked with the Marin Literacy Project, helping adults learn to read and develop their writing skills. Pat always took a personal interest in her students, and also became a valuable life coach to them. Pat worked at Macy's for many years in the Housewares Department, considering herself more of a cookware consultant than a clerk. She was active in an investment club, and took tax classes at College of Marin to become an Enrolled Agent. She then built her own tax practice, which kept her busy until 2011, when her vision became so impaired by macular degeneration that she had to give it up. In her last years, Pat's mobility became increasingly limited and her vision continued to deteriorate, yet her mind stayed sharp. Pat is predeceased by her brother Bill; and survived by her husband Joe; her daughter Karen; her son David; her sister Doris; and nine nieces and nephews.