Ann Bidlake Patrick

Mrs. Ann Bidlake Patrick, of Fresno, CA, passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Ann was dearly loved by her family, friends and the many students taught throughout her teaching career. Ann was born to parents Robert and Margaret Murphy on August 28, 1945 in Seattle, WA. She grew up as the youngest of four children in the Pacific Palisades, attended St. Monica Catholic High School (Class of 1963) and San Jose State University (B.A. in 1968 & Special Education 1969).

In 1969, Ann accepted a position with Westlake School in Santa Cruz and embarked on a rich and rewarding teaching career, which was her passion. In 1970, Ann married Tom Patrick and was blessed with two loving children, Sarah and Tim. The family moved to Tahoe where Ann taught fifth grade at Kings Beach Elementary School. In 1979, the family moved to Fresno, CA. Ann accepted a position with Fresno Unified School District where she taught in four schools specializing in Special Education. Ann received several awards throughout her career, most nobility the Excellence in Teaching Award for Superior Efforts in the Esteemed Field of Education acknowledged by the Fresno Public Education Fund and presented by Council Member Garry Bredefield, District 6. Ann was active in her community; member of St. Paul Catholic Newman Center for 37 years, devoted volunteer to Leo Politi Library, continuous life learner attending monthly Town Hall Educational Programs, theatre group and neighborhood groups such as quilting, book club and bunco. Ann could see each person’s talents, and naturally nurtured and cultivated those talents until they were seen too. Ann was a gift to everyone in her life.

Ann is survived by her daughter (Sarah Wilson), Amber and Erin Wilson (granddaughters); her son, Tim Patrick; her sisters, Sister Mary Augustine and Sister Christine Ortis; Sister-in-law (Linda Murphy, wife of Michael Murphy); Brother-in-law (Gene Sawyer, brother of Tom Patrick; wife Missy, Brooke and Blake); beloved Aunt to Tim (wife Helen, children James, Max and Lauren), Kelly (husband Robert, son Brandon Moore), Kevin (wife Theresa, children Melissa, Ellen and Travis) and great nieces and nephews. Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret Murphy; brother, Michael Murphy.

A Celebration of Life mass will be available to the public at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center at Noon on Saturday, April 9, 2016.

The family is grateful for the condolences. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toward Ann B. Patrick Memorial Fund to support education of Amber and Erin Wilson (Ann’s Grandchildren). Charles Schwab Bank Routing Number: 121202211, Account Number: 3000-24699328.

Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.