Nancy Padden

PADDEN, Nancy - In Santa Rosa, on Monday, December 26, 2005, surrounded by her children, Nancy passed away after a long illness at the age of 73. Born in San Francisco on February 23, 1932 to Charles J. and Mercedes Wiseman; beloved younger sister to the late Margaret Wiseman Jensen; Nancy is survived by her children: Mary Desmond of Santa Rosa, Michael Padden of Denver, CO, Theresa Padden of SF, John Padden of SF, Sergeant Major Patrick Padden of Fort Bliss, TX, Margaret Wylie of SF and Nora McCormick of London, England; her grandsons, Paul and Gregory Desmond, Christopher Padden and Luke Wylie; her sons-in-law, Doug Desmond and Michael Wylie; her niece Nancy Jensen Loch; and her grand-nephews Kevin and Brian Loch, all of San Diego. Nancy's last year was immeasurably brightened by the beautiful and tender care of Michelle Thomas of Sydney, Australia. Michelle provided Mom with a quality of life rich in humor and love. We will be forever grateful to Michelle and to Steve, Rebecca, Jorge and Jude of Memorial Hospice for their devotion to our mother during her final year. Nancy graduated from Dominican College of San Rafael in 1953, where she received her teaching credential. She and her six children moved to Santa Rosa in 1969. Nancy was a beloved teacher at both Bellevue School and Kawana School where, in 1982, she became principal. Nancy loved her students and her work until her retirement in 1988. She then went back to school and received her master's in counseling from USF. No one was more devoted to being of service to children and making a positive difference in their lives. Nancy was beloved by her students, her colleagues and many dear friends. She was "Mom" to all of her children's friends and was happiest sitting at her kitchen table, coffee cup in hand, enthralled by the details of all our lives. She was in her element while tending her beautiful, perennially blooming gardens. Nancy's uncanny ability to see humor in everything carried her through all that life had to give her. Her family and friends would all agree that she was, in fact, a financial genius. She will be remembered for her laughter, her love for life and most especially, her love for her dear care givers, cherished friends, her beloved children and grandchildren. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Thursday, December 29, 2005 at 10:30 A.M. at St Eugene's Cathedral, 2323 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa. Private Inurnment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Vigil Service will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. at DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES, 1225 Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa. If desired donations in her memory may be made to Memorial Hospice, 821 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 707-525-3734