Patricia Duckett

Patricia "Patty" Campbell Duckett, 93, of Rancho Santa Fe, California, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 1, 2023.Patty was born in Pasadena, California in 1930 to Dr. Leon and Margaret Campbell, who met while Leon was in medical school and Margaret was a nurse. Patty attended Polytechnic School and Westridge High School in Pasadena. She was very proud to still fit into her high school uniform for their 60th reunion.Patty, along with older sister Jane and younger brother Leon, spent their childhood summers in Del Mar, CA. One of her most treasured places was the beach in Del Mar, walking one of the beloved dogs she had over the years, collecting shells and seaglass, and going to the racetrack back when Bing Crosby, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball were attending. A young Gregory Peck even attended a party at their house one night.Patty departed by train to Finch Jr. College in Manhattan in 1948. It was an exciting time to be in New York and Patty loved sharing memories of seeing Bobby Short at the Carlyle, sneaking out with friends for a martini, and weekend visits to Princeton. After returning to Pasadena and working in her father's medical office, Patty caught the eye of the tall and dashing Alfred "Fred" Duckett, who had just begun his real estate career. They were married in 1952 in Pasadena. After falling in love with Baja California while honeymooning in Las Cruces, Mexico, Patty and Fred began a lifelong passion for Baja.Four children quickly followed and while Fred expanded his business ventures, Patty was busy becoming the Patty that everyone loved and remembers: caring, supportive and actively involved with her family, friends and community. She was a regular volunteer and benefactor of the Children's Hospital Of Pasadena up until her death. As a devoted wife to Fred, Patty was a silent partner with him as he founded the Fish Market Restaurants in Palo Alto in 1976. Her keen eye for decorating helped create the unique Fish Market charm as the restaurants continued to expand. Patty even got her signature cheesecake on the menu.When not in Pasadena, the Duckett family was often in Newport Beach, or on their boat tied to the dock out front. They spent weekends cruising to Catalina and summers fishing up and down the coast. Patty loved those summers and was always making an extra casserole for the overflow of kids. In 1991, Patty and Fred began their next adventure: building their dream house near San Jos‚ del Cabo. They split their time between California and Mexico. After the birth of her first grandchild Jamie in 1989, Patty's top priority was being "Nana". With the arrival of six more grandchildren in the next few years, she was a constant presence in their lives from birthdays and holidays to beach bbq's and sleepovers. Over time, Patty became "Nana" to all of her grandchildren's friends as well. Patty was preceded in death by her husband Fred and sister Jane Wells. She is survived by brother Leon, sons John (Marjorie), Fred Jr., Peter, and daughter Cammy Staunton (Richard), grandchildren Claire, Charles and Adelaide Duckett, James (Blake), Kate Kelly (Jack) and Henry Staunton, and Abigail Duckett, great-grandson Peter Staunton and many nieces and nephews.The family is forever grateful for the love and support given to Patty by an incredible team of care-givers with a special thank you to Elsa and her entire family and to Brenda for their devoted care and companionship.There will be a small private family memorial. If you wish to honor Patty's memory, please consider a donation to the Los Cabos Children's Foundation www.loscaboschildren.org/donate