Virginia Sylvia Gagan-Patterson

Ginny was born Virginia Aguilera Rojas in Aguadulce, Panama in 1930. Orphaned by the age of two, she immigrated to Los Angeles, CA in the 1940s and was raised by her aunt Angela Fitzwater-Aguilera. She graduated from Los Angeles High School and Cal State Los Angeles in the 1950s with a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts Education. She married Raymond Andrew Gagan, a US Navy Veteran, Los Angeles Fire Department Captain, and boy tenor opera singer. This is when she became a U.S. Citizen. They had three children together: Marla Irene Gagan, Pamela June Gagan, and their baby son Douglas Doney Gagan. Virginia’s personal journey was one of immense strength. Ginny divorced in 1970 and as a single parent, she successfully raised her family. She furthered her education with a Master of Arts in Educational Administration The loss of her first child Marla Irene caused her great sadness yet she wholeheartedly took on the role of grandmother to Marla’s two children William Duncan Cogswell and Terrence Maximilian Cogswell. Further left behind are the children of Douglas and Susan Gagan, Brandon Murray, Nathaniel Gagan, Noah Gagan and Jared Gagan.

Ginny Gagan or Mrs. Gagan as known by her students, started her teaching career in the early 1960s. Virginia Gagan-Patterson, was a beloved mother, esteemed educator, dedicated opera aficionado and Los Angeles County Museum of Art docent. A true lover of the arts, Virginia found beauty and solace in opera, ballet, poetry, and fine arts. She supported the The Opera Buffs, The Loren Zachary Foundation, and Media City Dance and Ballet with Choreographer Natasha Middleton, as special passions she wholeheartedly endorsed here in Los Angeles. She passed away leaving behind a legacy of resilience, generosity and strength. Known for her unwavering determination, Ginny lead an extraordinary life that touched countless hearts and the minds of many.

A proud educator, Virginia dedicated 30 years of her professional life to Hollywood High School within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Her commitment to her students was matched only by her passion for travel. She met Jerry Patterson, who eventually became her second husband, at Hollywood High School. Together they fulfilled their dual travel lust. Jerry remained by her side until his passing in 2018. Together they traveled the world extensively: Europe Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, The Arctic, South America and North America. It would be easier to list the countries they hadn’t visited together than to name all the countries they traveled to. Ginny was a steadfast and tireless supporter of the Democratic Party while Jerry Patterson was Republican. Fortunately, this never led to disagreement, instead just differing opinions which led to interesting conversations. Those who knew her held her in the highest esteem, admiring the elegance and courage with which she navigated both her triumphs and tribulations.

Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her spirit lives on in the family she leaves behind.