Patricia (Pat) Stephens

Surrounded by her beloved family, Patricia (Pat) Zamudio Stephens was called home by God Saturday, April 6th 2024. She had recently celebrated her 98th birthday on March 6th. She was a proud native Texan, born in Corpus Christi and graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1944. In high school, Pat was a proud member of the Hi-Fairnessee Girls Club, a social club found by her sister and others in 1931.

Later in 1944, she married the one and only love of her life Raul (Roy) Stephens. They raised three children and shared 60 blissful years of marriage.

Both devout Catholics, they educated their children in the Corpus Christi Catholic school system from kindergarten through high school graduation. Pat was very involved in all the school activities, several parent clubs and served as a room mother through the Mother’s Club. She baked countless cakes/sweets for the carnival cake walks and was present at every program, game, recital and field trip. Later when living in Redding, she volunteered in Mrs. Torres’ (her daughter’s) kindergarten class and was a beloved addition to the Buckeye School of the Arts where she answered to Granny Pat. She also gave of her time as a volunteer in the gift shop at Shasta Regional Hospital.

Her unwavering support for her family continued as she lovingly cheered on her 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She attended an untold number of school activities and sporting events including football and baseball games, soccer matches from recreational to collegiate level, dance and cheerleading performances/competitions and years of gymnastic meets.

As an avid sports fan, she also loved watching her favorite professional teams and faithfully rooted on her Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, San Antonio Spurs and her adopted home team, the Golden State Warriors.

Pat, also known as Mom, but more commonly called Granny was an amazing woman. She had an outgoing, engaging personality and a warm welcoming smile that drew all in and made her loved by all who came to know her. This led to her being cherished by a wide variety of people from all walks of life both in California and Texas.

Her talents shined brightest at home where she was the heart and soul of their home. A gifted home maker, she created a haven overflowing with happiness much of which stemmed from her being an incredible cook and welcoming hostess. Signature dishes were numerous, but her tamales where a top favorite of many. Her legendary holiday dinners were delicious meals complete with an ever-present decadent dessert table. All gatherings were true celebrations in which family and friends experienced first-hand her love and kindness.

Besides being a gifted cook, Pat was also wonderfully talented at sewing, crocheting and quilting. She created many beautiful items and gifts which are still cherished to this day by her family and many friends. Often, she did her needlework while watching her favorite soap opera “The Young & The Restless” (“Y & R”) and she was one of the earliest fans that began watching when it first aired in 1973. In her final days when she was sleeping a lot, she would, as if by magic, wake up in time to watch the latest episode of “Y & R”.

Pat lived a remarkable life and leaves a legacy of beautiful memories for her beloved family and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her dearest husband Roy; her siblings Hortencia Z. Galvan, Ralph Zamudio and Tony Zamudio. Surviving to carry on her legacy are her children: Roy (Ariadna) Stephens, Claude (Dana) Stephens and Vivian (Salvador Jr) Torres; her grandchildren: Gerard Stephens, Kaci Noble, Ty Stephens, Salvador (Hannah) Torres III, Nina Torres and Brianna Shay Stephens; and great grandchildren: Roy Stephens, Chloe Stephens, Jordi Noble and Jensyn Noble; plus, many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be in Redding CA with visitation and rosary taking place at McDonald's Chapel on Sunday, April 21st (3 - 6pm PST; rosary will commence at 5 pm); mass will be led by Father Cirilo Cervantes on Monday, April 22nd (10 am) at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church followed by graveside services at Redding Memorial Park.

Pallbearers are Gerard Stephens, Salvador Torres Jr, Salvador Torres III, Ty Stephens, Eric Ferrufino and Omar Torres.

Friends and family are invited to a reception at the home of Vivian & Salvador Torres Jr immediately following the services on Monday.