Patricia Bostard

Patricia (Patti) Todd Bostard

Aug 10, 1948 - Nov 14, 2024

A resident of Aptos, CA, Patti Bostard, a beloved partner, friend, mentor, educator, and cherished family member, passed away in Santa Cruz, CA, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 76 years old.

Born on August 10, 1948, in Chicago, IL, Patti was the eldest daughter of Dr. William and Mrs. Marie Todd. Her family relocated to Southern California when she was an infant, where Patti flourished academically and personally. Patti excelled in school, graduating at the top of her high school class, and went on to earn her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Southern California. During her time at USC, she was an active and proud member of the Tri Delta Sorority. She continued her studies at USC, earning a Master of Education degree.

Patti began her 39-year teaching career in Southern California, where she taught middle school English for 13 years. In 1984, Patti and her late husband Doug Bostard moved to Nevada City, CA. where Patti taught 7th and 8th grade Humanities. She left an indelible mark on the school community with her intelligence, passion, and unwavering dedication to her students. She strengthened the Humanities Department through her expertise in literature and writing, inspiring students to think critically and creatively. Patti had high expectations for her students, recognizing their potential long before they did and guiding them toward self-discovery through writing, literature, history, and film analysis.

In the spring of 2007, on a weekend visit with her sister Barbara in Aptos, Patti attended a dinner party where mutual friends introduced her to her future life partner, David Hemrick. From the moment they met, their connection was undeniable, and their meeting blossomed into a meaningful long-distance relationship that spanned three years. In 2010, Patti retired from her illustrious teaching career and moved to Aptos to be with David, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with love, companionship and adventure. Patti and David shared a love of golf, cycling, bridge and travel, spending precious time together with family and friends. In her final year, Patti achieved a remarkable milestone by making a hole-in-one at The Hay in Pebble Beach-a fitting celebration of her passion and determination.

In addition to golfing, cycling, and traveling with David, Patti loved to cook, entertain family and friends, and read. She had a wonderful sense of style and was frequently asked by friends to help them put together and outfit for special occasions. Her personality was vivacious and spirited, and when she smiled, everyone around her smiled.

Patti's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and in the lives of the countless students and loved ones she inspired.

Patti is survived by her loving partner, David Hemrick; her siblings, Barbara Albright (Dr. Ron), Chrisi Knippa (Dr. John), and Bill Todd (Donna); her nieces and nephews, Luke Albright (Joanna), Heather Kwok(Gabe), Chelsea McCord(Ryan), Ryan Todd (Kayla), Kira Knippa, and Sara Knippa; as well as David's children, Ashlee Greib (Fred), Lindsey Stagnaro (Adam), Katie Hemrick (Howard), and Laura Yates (Scott). She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. William and Mrs. Marie Todd, and her late husband, Douglas Bostard.

Donations in her memory may be made to Pajaro Valley Shelter Services (https://www.pvshelter.org) or The Kellermann Foundation (info@Kellermannfoundation.org (972) 685-0279