Patricia Ann Hearne Obituary

PATRICIA ANN HEARNE Patricia Ann Hearne, known fondly as Pat, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 16, at her home in Chico, California, surrounded by family. She was 88 years old. Born on September 28, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, Pat was the beloved daughter of Gerald and Anne Keefer. When she was still a young child, the family settled in California. Much of her childhood was spent in Santa Cruz and King City. It was during these formative years that Pat cultivated her passion for horses, eagerly participating in parades and rodeos. Pat graduated from King City High School and briefly pursued studies at Fresno State. At both, she was a trailblazer by being a woman taking agricultural classes. It was not long before she met the love of her life, Larry. Their love was deep and true. Pat was a remarkable mother to her seven children, infusing their lives with boundless love, a multitude of interests, and valuable life lessons. She took her children camping and backpacking many times. Her children have fond memories of the beach, exploring tide pools as she pointed out different species. She passed on her self-sufficient and independent streak to all her children be it through baking bread, making homemade mayonnaise, sewing cloth dolls, weaving so many things, planting many gardens, preserving food, plucking chickens, or milking goats. She taught all her children to be independent and to solve their own problems. Her adventurous spirit has guided and will continue to guide them through life’s highs and lows. While her children were still young, Pat returned to school at West Valley College and obtained her BS in Biology from Santa Clara University. After graduation, she remained at the university working as a laboratory instructor in biology. Throughout her life, Pat’s broad interests and abilities allowed her to navigate various career paths including lab technician for Paul Masson Winery, Monterey Vineyards, and Scheid Vineyards, bank teller at Wells Fargo, and bookkeeper at Hesselbein’s Jewelers. Pat loved to spend time with her husband and with the entire family, but she enjoyed solitary activities as well. Throughout life she was an avid reader and developed her diverse talents, becoming extremely skilled in sewing, gardening, weaving, knitting, and more. Upon retiring, Pat lived in Northern California, Oregon, and Pacific Grove. Despite a seemingly endless stream of visiting children, grandchildren, and friends, she developed her textile and culinary skills to the highest levels. She won the baking sweepstakes at the Salinas Valley Fair, became a Master Food Preserver and a Master Gardener, enjoyed teaching classes through Oregon State University Extension, and participated in weaving and quilting guilds. Pat is survived by her children and their significant others, Maureen and Brian Beresini of Moss Beach, Laureen Lane and Jesus Chavez of Chico, Timothy and Elizabeth Hearne of Dublin, Patrick (Quinn) Hearne and Leonel Ballate of San Francisco, Phillip and Patti Hearne of Whiting, Indiana, and Kevin and Lauren Hearne of Chatham, New Jersey, her brother and his wife, Tim and Celia Keefer, her eleven grandchildren, and her five great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her daughter, Kathleen, and her husband, Laurence. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her wonderful caregivers, Lupita Mojica and Juana Vazquez Paniagua, as well as to the compassionate teams at Sunrise of Burlingame, Butte Home Health, and Enloe Hospice. A rosary will be said in honor of Pat at Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home on March 25, and a mass will be held at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church on March 26. A celebration of her life will follow at the family home in Chico. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.