Patricia Anne Dunham

Patricia is survived by her husband, Don, her daughters Michelle and Deanna, her daughter in law, Mindy, her grandchildren Alexandria, Abbey, Aaron and Anna, her great grandson Hunter, her younger sister Dian and her puppy, Sassy.

Patricia was one of the most beautiful, gracious and kind people **PERSON** that most people would ever meet. She had a natural ease and charm that made everyone feel at home within seconds of meeting her. Although Patricia had more than her fair share of chronic illnesses over the course of her life, she did everything she could to continue enjoying her passions; gardening, her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed spending quality time with family during family get togethers and holidays which typically took place at least once a month. Even when it was time to hang up her Master Chef hat due to physical limitations, she still enjoyed hanging out in the kitchen and prepping food with "the cool kids" (usually her oldest daughter and oldest granddaughter). Regardless, she was always the exemplary hostess during these occasions.

Patricia was born in Lubbock, TX where she lived until she was 6 when she ran away to join the circus and ultimately made a name for herself as JoJo, the Flying Monkey Girl.. ok wait.. different family member. She and her family did move to the Philippines at that time though. Her father, a Navy veteran who, during the Attack on Pearl Harbor went from being a Radio Comm Operator to operating the anti aircraft cannons when communications were cut off early in the battle. He later worked for the US Government and was part of a group tasked with rebuilding Guam after the Japanese occupation. She often spoke fondly of her time in the South Pacific. After ten years, they came back to the states and initially stayed in New Jersey (nope, no culture shock there). Eventually, the family relocated to Northern California where she decided to study Cosmetology and she met Don Dunham, her future husband. They had two daughters which, for the most part.. did not give them too many problems. As they say, "Grandchildren are the reward you get for not killing your teenagers".. although at least ONE of her grandkids is a complete suck up (it will be obvious who that is during the eulogy). Patricia was very proud of both her daughters, her grandkids and while she didn't have much more than a handful of years with her great-grandson, she loved him and will be guiding him from the afterlife. Mostly to keep him from HIS passion of trying to eat dog toys.

Patricia enjoyed her chosen career in cosmetology; she worked as some very nice salons in Scottsdale, AZ and in spite of that-- STILL really enjoyed most of her clients (except you, Linda. She couldn't stand you). Her passions included gardening and animals.. mostly her own. She had yards that other people would kill for (and may have) and had an amazing way with plants and flowers. She could spend hours at a plant nursery- much to the absolute delight of her children.. (yes that's sarcasm.. just like Don and his hours in the nuts and bolt aisle at the hardware store) deciding what the perfect annual would look incredible in what pot. And if she couldn't find the perfect plant-- sometimes at 2 am, you could find her a block away digging the plant up from someone else's yard. She was just that kind of proactive, "can-do" kind of gal. And despite that she thought she was a mediocre cook, she was actually incredible and managed to pass on those skills to her daughters.. (her eldest would like to say thanks for passing that on about 15 years ago.. just before Thanksgiving. Thanks Mom.. not).

Obviously, a great deal of this is in jest. Patricia had a great sense of humor, a beautiful smile and always loved a good laugh. Mom, you will never be forgotten, you were an incredibly strong and beautiful woman, you are deeply missed and loved more than words can say.

Love you-

Michelle