Patricia Jean Grivas

1930 - 2014

Patricia Jean Grivas
Sept. 27, 1930 ~ Feb. 26, 2014
Resident of Alamo and Walnut Creek
Pat Grivas passed away on February 26th, hand in hand with her husband, Plato, as the Lord took her into his arms. She was a devoted wife and wonderful mother who created a home that was warm, lively, and full of love.
Pat was born Patricia Jean "Patty Jean" Garner in Bladen, Nebraska in 1930 moved to California with her parents and two brothers during World War II. She attended high school in Los Angeles where she met Plato Grivas, a good friend of her older brother, Rod. Upon graduation she attended Los Angeles City College before becoming a stewardess of United Air Lines. Her friendship with Plato deepened. They were married on July 23rd, 1955, in the traditional Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension. After Plato graduated from USC Medical School they moved to San Francisco to begin his internship and residency in Ophthalmology. Pat gave birth to three children, Diane, Susan and John. Plato opened his private practice and they moved to Alamo in 1963.
After the children were grown Pat volunteered to tutor troubled teen-agers at Del Amigo High School. Later she began as a volunteer at Planned Parenthood and worked her way up to become a member of the Shasta-Diablo Board from 1989 to 1994. This crusade was close to her heart and in 1995 she was honored with the Margaret Sanger Award, the highest honor given.
Pat was always known for her endearing smile, cheerfulness, and loving qualities. She made many close and loving friends throughout her life. She was a gourmet cook, and wonderful hostess. She had a discerning eye for beauty, their home was lovely and she particularly enjoyed creating flower arrangements. Pat and Plato had a passion for travel; they explored the world together, visiting Africa, the Middle East, and China as early as the 1970s. She made friends wherever they traveled and learned and shared her knowledge of the world.
After a life full of health and vitality, in the last few weeks the goal was to control the pain which was consuming her waking hours, from which she finally found peace. Her warmth and generous spirit will be greatly missed.
Pat is survived by her loving husband, Plato, and devoted children, Diana Grivas of Los Angeles, John Grivas of Berkeley, Susan Grivas Burrows of Kenwood along with grandchildren Conor and Keaton Burrows of Kenwood.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, April 27th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Lakeside Room, Heather Farm Community Center, located at 301 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek. For directions call (925) 943-5858 Monday through Friday.
In lieu of flowers, we would be thankful for your gracious donation to the American Cancer Society.