Patricia Diane McDaniel

Patricia McDaniel (née Edwards) of Santa Cruz passed away, February 12, 2026, at the age of 72, following a brief illness.

Known lovingly as Patsy, she was born in Santa Cruz, where she remained throughout her life. She took great pride in being a true Santa Cruzian. She will be remembered for her gentle, kind, and compassionate spirit, as well as her cheerful, bubbly personality. She lived with unwavering integrity and boundless generosity, constantly paying it forward and lifting others along the way. Anyone who made their way into her heart was considered family—forever.

Patsy graduated from Harbor High School and went on to build a long and meaningful career in banking. She dedicated more than 40 years to serving her community with County Bank of Santa Cruz and later Comerica Bank, where she was respected for her professionalism, commitment to her customers, and willingness to step in wherever she was needed. She truly loved “her” customers (and their dogs). Even in retirement, if she saw a familiar face around town, she would make a point to smile, say hello, and perhaps strike up a conversation. Those small moments meant the world to her.

Beyond her professional life, Patsy found her greatest joy in her children, music, reading, loving on dogs, trips to Maui, and long rides on the back of a Harley on a warm, sunny day.

Patsy is survived by her daughter, Kelly (James) Cornibe, and her son, Michael McDaniel. She is now reunited with her parents, James “Jim” and Ruby Edwards, and her brother, Richard Edwards.

At her request, in lieu of a service, please celebrate her life the way she lived it: by smiling at a stranger in passing; telling the exhausted parent in line behind you that they’re doing a great job; letting the person bagging your groceries know you appreciate them; and if you happen to trip over your own feet while running to greet a puppy in a bank lobby, laugh at yourself—then take a bow.

May her soul rest in peace.