Patricia Jane Chaney

1944-2024 Pat died on December 20, 2024, after a long bout with heart, kidney, and diabetes problems.
She was born on April 1, 1944, in Camden, New Jersey. Her parents were Florence Martha Robinson (nee Tufnell) and Samuel Robinson. Pat attended grade school in Camden, New Jersey, before moving to California with her parents after high school. In California, she attended and graduated from Long Beach State with a degree in Russian history and education. In addition, she took several graduate classes. During her time at Long Beach State, she met her future husband, Ron, and they finally got together and married in 1984 after literally chasing each other around the world for 20 years.
After graduation, she taught in the Rossmoor School system before later taking a position for 9 years with the Department of Defense overseas school system. She taught first in the Philippines for a year, then in Germany for a year, followed by a year in Turkey. Then, to change things, she taught in the inner city schools in Washington D.C. for a year before going to Spain to teach for 4 years. She returned from Spain to care for her mother until she died in Southern California, after which she taught as a resource teacher in the Long Beach School District.
In 1984, she married Dr. Ronald Chaney and moved to Arcata, California, where he was a professor at Humboldt State University. Never to stay quiet for long, she joined the Westhaven Women's Club and eventually became its president. During this time, she also taught at Morris Elementary School in McKinleyville as a resource teacher while being a member of 6 different garden clubs. For several years, she was a co-presenter on a KNIS cooking show. Over her life, she traveled to 69 other countries. With her husband, she made 4 academic trips to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and one to Tibet as guests of their governments. In 1989, she was in Shanghai during the Tiananmen Square protest in the PRC. In addition, together, they made many return trips to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Pat was an avid gardener, book reader, gourmet cook, party giver, and bridge player. She loved her dogs, Gretchen and Lucky Ducky. In her spare time, she also arranged flowers for the Eureka Symphony. Her last bridge game was held the day before she died unexpectedly.
Pat is survived by her husband, Ron Chaney, of 40 years, her sister, Arlene Kemeny, and her husband, Jack; her niece, Lisa Fody; her husband, Ed Fody; their daughter, Samantha; and son Chris.
She will be terribly missed. You left us too soon.
A memorial service will be held at Paul's Chapel on January 18, 2025 at 1pm. A reception will be held following with the location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations to Sequoia Animal Shelter are suggested. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Patricia, please visit our Tree Store.