Patricia Hernan Grube

1923 - 2022

Patricia Hernan Grube
August 1, 1923 - May 18, 2022
Santa Cruz
Patricia Hernan Grube departed this life in her home of fifty years, surrounded by loving family members, she was 98 years-old. She is survived by six children and their spouses, nine grandchildren and their spouses, six great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and beloved friends. She was pre-deceased by her husband Lester Floyd Grube, and her three younger siblings Joseph Hernan, Peter Hernan and Mary Mullis. Her daughter Anne Marie Grube passed away shortly after her on May 24, 2022.
Patricia was born in the desert of Arizona. She was the first-born daughter of John Joseph Hernan and Winnifred Ada (Reagan) Hernan. When she was eleven the family moved to California, first to Long Beach and later to the San Francisco area. She attended UC Berkeley where she met her future husband, Lester. During the war, Lester became a pilot and they were married in Bakersfield, California in September 1943. After the war they moved to San Luis Obispo, so that Lester could attend Cal Poly. Eventually, they settled in San Jose and began their family. While in San Jose Patricia and Lester worked tirelessly for social justice issues. In the early 1970s Patricia and Lester, along with their 5 youngest children, moved to Ndola, Zambia. Lester worked for the Zambian government helping rural farmers to develop small chicken farms. Patricia worked with women on nutrition issues. After returning to the States they settled in Santa Cruz. During the mid-70s Patricia fulfilled a promise to herself by finishing college. She attended UC Santa Cruz and received degrees in Psychology and Sociology.
Patricia was a life-long writer. She was a poet, playwright and author of short stories. She has published three books of poetry: The Green Door, Layer By Layer, and Then and Now. Her book of short-stories, Chickens in Africa, chronicles the time the family spent in Zambia. On the back of her book, Then and Now, she wrote about herself, "Her work seeks to find drama and transcendence in the lives of ordinary people. She is most proud of her talented family."
The legacy of Patricia Hernan Grube lives on in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She embraced life, its struggles and joys. In her life she faced many challenges, but she always moved forward with grace and determination. The passing of this matriarch is the end of an era. She will be missed.
There will be a private ash scattering on the morning of July 30. That afternoon at 1:00 pm there will be a gathering of those who knew and loved Patricia at the family home. Please contact Patricia's daughter, Alice, if you plan to attend: alicechristinehughes@gmail.com


View the online memorial for Patricia Hernan Grube