Patricia Lee Grago

Patricia Lee Grago of Phoenix, AZ passed away on December 2, 2015 at the age of 84. She was the only child born to John Perry and Wilma [Smith] Mitchell in Los Angeles, CA on December 21, 1930, and was then raised by her grandparents Gussie and Logan Smith in Huntington Park. Patricia attended Huntington Park High School and after graduation, she met Johnny Grago in 1945 when his military service ended. They were properly introduced by Johnny's Sister, Mary Helen. Their courtship continued until they were married on January 21, 1951 at a Chapel on Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach, CA. Patricia spent the next stage of her life in Downey, CA., rearing 5 children and caring for her family and the challenges that it sometimes brought. But, her endless energy allowed her to keep up with it all. She even took on added responsibilities such as Girl Scout Troup Leader and PTA President. Patricia then became a member of the Children's Home Society. It was through that organization that Patricia and Johnny became Foster parents for new-born infants from 1970-1972. They cared for 10 newborns, total, until the babies were placed in their permanent adoptive homes. It was always tough to see a baby go. But, there was always the next one to love and care for, even if it was only temporary. Patricia loved babies! Patricia was then inspired to become a nurse's aide. She went back to school to earn her credentials and put her education to work. She was employed by numerous organizations in the medical field, including, her favorite, the Baby Nursery at Downey Community Hospital in CA.

When Patricia retired, she became a full-time quilter, producing well over 500 quilts in her lifetime, 19 of which she proudly donated to the families of the Yarnell Hill Fallen Hotshot Firefighters in 2013. In fact, most everyone Mom knew has a least one of her quilts, a mark of her unending generosity. Patricia's passion and natural talent for quilting also found her teaching and lecturing. She was most admired for her impeccable eye for pattern and color mixing. A few of her favorite places to teach were the "Flying Geese Fabric" shop in Tustin, CA, and more recently, the "3 Dudes Quilting" in Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, she was even featured on "Simply Quilts," with host Alex Anderson on HGTV for her tips on "working with flannel." Patricia had a wonderful sense of humor, had a love hate relationship with her cat, "Peanut," had a passion for the color blue, and was also affectionately known to her children as "Moomers." Patricia is survived by her daughters Cathy Grago, Carol Grago and Tudy (Ed)Trgovac ; her sons David (Hiromi) Grago and Perry Grago along with two grandchildren, Tiffany (Doug) Wittman and Tucker Trgovac and one great grandchild, Nolan Wittman. Services – (Remembrance) –#1 - Date: December 13, 2015; Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Location: 3 Dudes Quilting; Address: 5053 E. Elliot Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85044. #2 – Date: January 17, 2016; Time: Noon – 4:00PM; Location: Home of Ed & Tudy Trgovac; Address: 43 Plymouth, Irvine, CA 92620. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Funeral Care 400 S. Power Rd, Mesa, AZ.

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