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BORN
1939
DIED
2015
Patricia Williams Obituary
Dec 23, 1939 - Feb 19, 2015
Aptos
Our beloved Patty passed peacefully, February 19th on the beautiful island of Kauai surrounded and cared for by her family. Patty was born and raised in Santa Cruz County. Patty was a renaissance woman who accomplished a great deal on this earth. Patty was a loving wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister and a friend. Patty dreamed big, worked tirelessly and fulfilled many bucket lists. To know Patty was to feel treasured and valued. Patty's bright blue eyes and engaging smile made instant and life long friends.
Patty was the first-born daughter of Vivian Vetterle Wharton and George Champion Burwell. Patty enjoyed a wonderful relationship with her sisters Sherrel Burwell Miller and Rebecca Burwell Lampkin and her brother Michael Everett Burwell.
Patty's great loves were her family, her garden, entertaining, cooking and traveling.
Patty was a food artist. Along side her renowned watercolorist husband James Russell Williams, Patty presented her 'art' at Open Studio in the home they designed and built in Rio Del Mar. Patty also designed natural wreaths from the bounty of her gorgeous and unique garden. Patty and JR traveled all over the United States and Europe for inspiration.
Patty's love of gardening was 'hereditary'. The Vetterle and Reinelt Begonia Gardens were the family business. Each sibling spent a fair share of their youth, weeding, grading bulbs, watering the hot houses and pollinating plants to develop new hybrids of the vibrant and colorful begonias shipped all over the world. No sibling more than Patty enjoyed working with an Austrian Royal - Trained Botanist, Frank Reinelt and no one put the lessons learned to better use in their garden.
Patty was head of Medical Transcription for Watsonville Hospital for many years. Working full-time in a demanding and government regulated position she never missed a pitch or a basket at one of her boys games. Patty's sons Scott Russell and Matthew Blaine and her daughter Susan Rebecca shared in their Mother's light and love of life. Patty was held in high regard as a wife, mother and friend. Everyone admired her tireless dedication and determination to make the most of her gifts.
Granddaughters, Hailey, Lauren, Tessa, Adin and Sari and grandson Daniel were her finest gifts. Known to those who love her as The Flying Grandma, there was no place the children could be that she would not be too. Patty was loving, inspirational and fun. Patty's nieces and nephews also basked in her love and goodness. The family has amended her nickname to The Flying Angel Grandma.
Patty will remain admired, adored, and loved always and forever. Thank you Patty for being the best mother, the best sister, the Flying Grandmother, the best aunty, and the best friend ever.
Services:
Friday, March 6 @ 1:00 PM
Villa Maria del Mar ~ Sisters of the Holy Names
21918 East Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
http://www.villamariadelmar.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Williams
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
Cherry Thompson
April 14, 2019
On April 11th, The Gardeners Club awarded a $500 scholarship to a Watsonville High student, Chloe Anderson, in memory of our dear former member, Pat Williams.
March 14, 2015
Pat and I were such good friends and she was a lovely neighbor to me in so many ways. We often cared for each other's gardens while traveling, and I helped her several years with Open Studios...
She loved her family and treasured all of her children and grandchildren.
What a lovely soul Pat had...so caring and compassionate. I will miss her tremendously, but carry fond memories in my heart.
Lovingly,
Anne Sherwood
Cherry Thompson
March 8, 2015
Pat was a lovely and generous member of two local garden clubs. It was always a treat to visit her beautiful garden.
Janet Hensley Epstein
March 3, 2015
I treasure the memories of our days together at Lake Tahoe and so many more occasions throughout or 12 years of school.
Happy journey, dear friend.
Janet (Jan) Epstein
Nancy Wharton
March 3, 2015
Dear Sherrel, Becky and Mike...
My love goes out to you all. I do remember Patty and what a loving heart she had.
I am so glad you were with there to be with her during her passing.
All of us - Nancy, Linda and Sally - The Wharton Family, are so sad for your loss.
Love, Nancy Wharton
March 2, 2015
Patty was a classmate of mine through Soquel Elementary, B-40 Jr. High and SCHS. She was always so kind and sweet. I have pictures of her when we were at a birthday party at the age of 7 or 8. Always adorable and a good friend. I know she will be missed but how wonderful that we had her in our lives.
Jim Bunner
March 2, 2015
Mrs. Williams (you did and still do call your friends parents Mr. and Mrs.)always had a smile and something nice to say. Grew up seeing her in the stands cheering us all on. My condolences to the family!
Judy (Walker) & Rick Peretto
March 1, 2015
We grew up in Soquel as did the Burwell family. It sounds like Patty had a beautiful life and will be missed by her family. We are sorry for your loss.
Judy (Allred) and Jerry Neumann
March 1, 2015
We have very fond memories of Patty at Santa Cruz High School. We all were members of the 1957 graduating class. I also met Michael when I worked for the Grass Valley School District. She was such a lovely person and we are so sorry for your family's loss. Judy (Allred) Neumann and Jerry Neumann
March 1, 2015
I remembered your mom from high school when I saw the picture with her beautiful, warm smile. Reading the obituary I could see she was a treasure to her family and friends. Love, Norma Russell Faulkner
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