Patricia Ruth McErlane

Our beloved mother Patricia Ruth McErlane passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025 at 96 years of age. She was born February 21, 1928 to Reuben and Ruth (Moorman) Lund in Alameda, California. She was preceded in death by both her parents and younger brother Jack, who died at age 3 and granddaughter Riley, who died in infancy. Pat loved her parents and brother.

Pat is survived by her five children, Suzanne Pronk (John), Mike Jocoy, Scott Jocoy, Dan Jocoy (Wendi) and Mark Jocoy. When recently asked of her greatest achievement, she simply stated, “Being a mother.” She raised us single-handedly in the 1960’s and 70’s while living in Pacifica, California. She always worked a full-time job and often a part-time job to provide for her family. She was fiercely loyal to her children, celebrating their individual accomplishments and persevering with them through personal difficulties. To the very end of life, she was a faithful and devoted mother.

Pat is also survived by her sister, Martha Patten (Doug). She loved Martha and her family and enjoyed visits with them, especially in later years when her physical health had declined.

Of course, her love of family reached her grandchildren, Josh, Matt, Erin and Nick (Suzanne & John’s); Riley, Shelby and Dylan (Scott & Cathy’s); Natalie, Ryan, Jessica and Micah (Dan & Wendi’s). She was gracious to remember their birthdays, Christmas and keep tabs on their lives personally or through their parents. She also was blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Johanna, Sam and Meredith Pronk, Boaz and Taya Palmer; River and Lake Jocoy.

In 1975, our mother moved to Placerville, California where she lived the remainder of her life.

In 1996, Pat married Jim McErlane and they enjoyed 25 years together. They traveled around the United States and even abroad. Jim loved our mother well and together they shared many beautiful years. Pat was holding Jim’s hand when he passed away on October 21, 2021.

In July 2021, Mom suffered a broken hip that left her bedridden. Only three months later, her husband passed away. It appeared the weight of all this might be too much for her. Yet, she rebounded, though confined to a bed. She stayed productive, busying herself with organizing pictures and personal effects, receiving phone calls and even texting messages while in her mid-90’s. Through it all, her mind was clear. She possessed a deep self-awareness of her words, behavior and interaction with others. Even confined to a bed, she remained independent.

With the help of Nadette, her caregiver for three years and hospice services, she lived at home. In November 2024, she decided it was time to move to Western Slope Health Center, where she lived out her last days.

We children feel a void with the passing of our mother. She possessed many beautiful qualities. Further, she loved to hike, take walks, garden, cook for family, host, play games, do social activities with friends and spend time with her family. She loved her golden retriever dogs.

We were so blessed to have Patricia Ruth McErlane as our mother.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.” I Corinthians 13:4-8 (Apostle Paul)

“No language can express the power and beauty and heroism of a mother’s love,” Edwin Chaplin (1889-1977)

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die,” Thomas Campbell (1777-1844)