Etelvina Rodrigues Patmas

Etelvina Rodrigues Patmas nee Tavares (“Vi”), born on July 23, 1932, in Elizabeth NJ passed away at the age of 92 on March 19, 2025, in Mission Viejo, California with her son by her side. Vi was beloved throughout her life for being an extraordinary woman. Born to Portuguese immigrants, Alfredo and Germana Tavares, Vi, grew up in Elizabeth NJ and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School. Vi worked for Monsanto and rose from a clerical position to senior management supporting commercial horticulture with oversight of accounts in the western region of the United States. She graduated from California State University – Fullerton with Honors.

Vi moved to Mission Viejo in 1997 where she cared for her mother until her death in 2011. Vi was a devout Catholic and member of St. Killian’s Church. She is survived by her only child, Dr. Michael Alfred Patmas, three grandchildren, Ariana Neben, Amanda Williams, and George Patmas and two great grandchildren Carlie and Kyler Williams.

Vi was beloved throughout her life. She was an extraordinarily kind, compassionate and caring woman who devoted her life to raising her son and being a wonderful grandmother and great grandmother. A single mom for much of her life, Vi was a most resilient and determined woman. She was passionate about her faith and lived her life accordingly. Mercy, justice, compassion, and respect for all were her defining values. Her home reflects that which was important to her. Filled with photographs of family and artwork including “The Archangel Gabriel” and “Madonna and Child” celebrate what Vi cared about, her family and her faith.

Funeral services are being managed by Fairhaven Memorial Services. The funeral mass will be at St. Killian’s Church in Mission Viejo followed by interment at Ascension Cemetery on March 31, 2025.