Helen Patricia Sippel

Pat Sippel, loving wife of Richard, son Steven, daughter-in-law Zoe, grandchildren Ethan and Emmy Sippel and brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Trulee Ricketts, died unexpectedly on December 10 at Community Hospital.

Pat was the granddaughter of Harry and Isabelle Turner of Carmel, daughter of Gene and Helen Ricketts of Carmel and was born on December 4, 1937 in Carmel.

She graduated from Sunset grammar school, Carmel High School and Fresno State College. Pat taught business classes at Carmel High School and Santa Catalina School. She also managed the Ricketts buildings in Carmel.

Pat was active in the American Field Service, traveling to Germany as an exchange student when she attended Carmel high school. Pat and Sip hosted Andreas Barz from Switzerland and during another year, Phillipe Masquelier from Belgium while their son, Steven was at Carmel high school. Andreas and Phillipe are still a part of their extended family.

Pat served as a board member of the Carmel Library and was a present board member of the Alzheimer's Association in Mountain View. After retirement, Pat worked for the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and administrated the annual Treasures and Pleasures fundraising auction. Recently she helped to make the annual Walk for Alzheimer's a successful event. Other contributions were Recreation Commissioner of Carmel and the Carmel High School Scholarship Fund.

Like her Mother Helen, who played softball for the Carmel Abalone League, Pat played softball for the local Coasters and she was a fierce S.F. Giant fan, traveling to Tucson for spring training, taking her nieces to Candlestick Park and her grandchildren to the AT&T park in San Francisco.

Like her parents, Pat was an active member of the local 20-40 club, whose members are friends she has known since her earliest years in Carmel. She was also an active member of Yes for Carmel and the Monday Afternoon Club. She played weekly bridge and corresponded with lifetime friends scattered throughout Europe and the United States.

Her best friend Sarah McCloud Berling said "Patty was a part of the fabric of Carmel". Looking through her many notes, her daughter in law, Zoe found this: "I would like this in my obituary;" the work of her hands was the voice of her heart." One of her works was The Alzheimer's Association, 21 Lower Ragsdale Dr., Monterey 93940. Services will be held January 5, 2013 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Sunset Center, San Carlos St. at Ninth Ave. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to the Alzheimer's Association.