Patricia Blue

Patricia M. Blue, 87 was born on March 23, 1930 in Hanford, CA to two doting parents, Manuel and Cleta Borba. She was the only child they had been waiting for quite sometime. Her dad, Manuel Borba was a local barber with a shop Downtown. Her mom, Cleta, took care of Pat and worked at Merviss’ Clothing Store in Downtown Hanford. According to her, she had a “wonderful” childhood filled with lots of warm memories. She loved her parents deeply.

In her early teen years, she’d ride her horse in the Hanford countryside with friends. During her high school years she became Miss Kings County. She also, did some modeling for Merviss’ Clothing Store. During summers she’d work at sorting fruit for some of the local farms. She even worked as an operator at the local phone company. Back then she would drive far and wide with her friends to go dancing. It was in those days where she met “the love of her life”, Gordon Blue, from San Francisco, CA.

Pat and Gordon were married on November 19, 1949 and had a storybook marriage for 51 years. Pat loved Gordon with every fiber, and Gordon was smitten with Pat until the end. They were each others best friends, always. They were inseparable. Pat and Gordon were blessed with their only child, Kristy, on March 4, 1953. She was a beautiful child and the apple of their eye. Almost every day Kristy and Pat would have their daily chat throughout Pat’s entire life. On December 30, 1970 Pat and Gordon were again blessed with the birth of their only grandson, Rusty. Rusty was a fixture at Nana’s and Papa’s house throughout their entire lives. Life revolved around their Grandson. Rusty’s wife, Theresa, also benefited from Pat’s love and friendship. However, on May 8, 2016 life changed forever with the birth of her Great-Grandson, Patrick. As Patrick is a spitfire like his great-grandmother and named after her, she adored him.

Most Hanford residents remember Pat and Gordon Blue for their store, Hanford Furniture (site of the current Griswald, Lasalle, Cobb, Dowd, and Gin Law Firm), which they purchased in 1970 from Myron and Marge Levi. They were partners with Dan and Vera Azevedo for two years, and then purchased it outright. They served the community for 37 years at that location working together side by side. They were pillars of the community who worked tirelessly for it. Gordon was President of the Hanford Improvement Association (HIA) and a devout Rotarian which Pat supported wholeheartedly. Gordon with Pat’s assistance was instrumental in the formation of the Downtown Historical District. Gordon and Pat were two of the original owners of the Victorian Inn (now the Irwin Street Inn), too. Throughout the years a large number of Hanford residents worked at Hanford Furniture…from Sales to Deliveries to Office Assistants. They genuinely loved their employees and the people of Hanford. Pat in particular, loved Hanford so much that she blessed the community with her beloved “Christmas Windows”. Here windows were loved by children and parents alike. Each year families would anticipate the unveiling of the Christmas Windows just before Thanksgiving. From Santa Claus’ Workshop to the Snow Bears to the Manzaneeta Deer to the Bubble Bear, Pat was so intimately involved; no detail was left untouched. The faces of the children encouraged here year after year to continue …& Pat Genuinely loved Christmas!!!

In 2001, Pat and Gordon opened another furniture store in Fresno, Thomasville at River Park. It was a fun venture and a lifelong ambition of Gordon’s. To sweeten the pot, they became partners with their grandson, Rusty, (and his father) their “adopted son”, Mike Robinson. Though, Gordon, saw the store for a short time only, Pat remained active until this May. Pat continued to drive to Fresno 3-4 times a week. Once again, Pat’s love spread to the new staff. They enjoyed her humor and wit, and she enjoyed her conversations with all of them.

Pat is survived by her only daughter, Kristy Blue, her grandson, Rusty and his wife, Theresa and most importantly her legacy, her great-grandson, Patrick. She is also survived by her “adopted son” Mike Robinson and “adopted daughter” Barbara Robinson. She deeply loved her “adopted grandchildren” Samuel and his wife Suzy, Luke and his wife Tawny, and Jacob and his wife Ali Robinson. She was over the moon for her “adopted great-grandchildren”, James, Sarah, Leah, Owen, Charlotte, Heidi, Benjamin, Sebastian, Riley and Chloe. She was very close and appreciative to Len Vryhof, Kay Hill and John Robinson… all dear family friends. And lastly, she loved her dogs, Sissy, Missy and Punky.

Pat had an absolutely wonderful life filled with family and close friends. She had a very strong faith in God. She was a humbled servant that enjoyed many of God’s blessings. Though Camelot ended for Pat on January 4, 2001 when Gordon passed, she continued to be active and enjoy others. Those of us who knew her and loved her were dearly privileged. She was the perfect balance of elegance and sincerity. She is one of a kind and lived life her way. The mold is broken …and life will never be the same. We will miss you…God Bless!!!

A Visitation & Rosary Service will be held on Thursday, October 5th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at People’s Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 and the Funeral Mass on Friday, October 6th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church; 1001 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 with Burial following at Hanford Cemetery; 10500 S. 10th Ave., Hanford, CA 93230.

Our family would like to encourage family and friends in “Pat’s” memory that you wear purple or hot pink to her services, she requested it herself!!!

Remembrances may be made in her memory to St. Rose-McCarthy Catholic School; 1000 N. Harris St., Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 584-5218.

Family and Friends are invited to view Pat’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family.

Services by People’s Funeral Chapel (559) 584-5591.