Penelope L Patrick was born Penelope Lee James in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1939. She died recently, at age 84.
Some of our fondest memories at this time, bring us back to when we were young children at Christmas. We still remember when Kelly, brothers Rick and Darin, and sister Bethany loved making decorations for the tree. Our young mother Penny was always a part of that.
An avid reader, Penny read many books. She instilled in us the love of reading, always getting books for us from the Lompoc Library. An accomplished artist and writer, she loved to write poetry, and many of her poems were published.
Always involved in our childhood, Penelope was a Bluebird leader, Cub Scout leader, and a 4-H leader. My brothers, my sister and I truly appreciated all the arts and crafts she taught to us.
Teaching my sister and me the love of baking lasts to this day. Penny was an excellent seamstress, sewing most of Bethany’s and Kelly’s clothes, who were very happy to wear them.
Penny also was an accomplished cook and her holiday dinners bring back many fond family memories.
When the children were older, she took a break from being a homemaker and became a member of Lompoc’s search and rescue team.
She had many adventures with the team. This opened up other opportunities, and Penny entered nursing programs starting first as a nursing aid, then an LVN. From there she won a full-time scholarship to Cuesta College in nursing, where she graduated valedictorian of her class.
From there she worked a full-time nursing career at the Lompoc Hospital, making many friends and always known for her loving way with patients.
Penny worked at Lompoc Hospital during the 1980s. During this time and into the ’90s, Penny became a grandmother to Anthony Michael Pagatpatan, Savannah Farrell, Sergio Jr. Ponce and Penny Ponce.
Our Mother was intelligent, and kind to everyone. We will all dearly miss her and remember the love she always showed us.
To our Mother, Penny
People and places swirling
around,
Pictures and faces ever
abound.
Beautiful colors of violet
and blue,
are drawn like an artist
painting their hue.
While memories are cherished,
our sincerity grew,
Our hearts ever reaching
with understanding so true.
For I always knew
that like the angels above,
You always spoke the language of love.
— By Kelly Pagatpatan