Patricia "Pattie" Kelleher

Patricia Lynn Kelleher, age 64, died at her home in Davis, California on October 29, 2021. Pattie passed away peacefully in the early morning, surrounded by family members. She was born September 24, 1957, in Spokane, Washington to Robert and Daisy Kelleher.

Pattie was a devoted parishioner and long-time employee of Saint James Catholic Church in Davis, California. She began working for Saint James Church alongside her mother, Daisy, in 1991. After Daisy’s death, Pattie continued her work with the Parish community.

For over 30 years, Pattie served as the Office Manager and Secretary for Saint James. Her all-around knowledge, abilities, versatility, and kindness led her to become the go-to person who could tap into valuable “institutional memories.” She was the face of the Parish and the right-hand to the priests, deacons, employees, and parishioners. Pattie also worked with the Sacramento Diocese and Saint James School. She seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew her. The Parish community treasured her generosity, friendliness, and positive attitude. Pattie believed in the power of worship and community.

Since her father was in the U.S. Air Force, Pattie’s early years were spent near Air Force bases before the Kelleher family moved to Davis in 1969. She graduated from Davis High School in 1975, excelling in her coursework. After community college she found employment in food service and retail before joining Saint James Church.

Pattie was proud of her simple faith, which gave her great strength, and she enjoyed her somewhat solitary nature, more than once quoting Thomas Merton, “Solitude is a way to defend the spirit against the murderous din of our materialism.” Pattie enjoyed close relationships with family and friends, but you could also find her at home with her beloved dog, watching football and movies, or reading novels. She was a big fan of the 49ers. She enjoyed annual trips to the Oregon coast to visit her sister, and to Colorado to visit her extended family. Pattie also “had a blast” enjoying a few cruises with her mother, Daisy. Pattie was especially close to her ever-devoted “Cousin Danny” and to her friend MariAnne Edwards.

She was predeceased by her parents, long-time Davis residents Robert Patrick Kelleher in 2000 and Daisy Leora Bopp Kelleher, in 2004; her brother Michael Patrick Kelleher of Woodland in 2005; her aunt Mary Lee Kelleher Gunder (Robert) of Great Bend, KS, in 2000; and her uncle Daniel Edwin Kelleher (Deborah) of Elkhart, IN, in 2020.

Survivors include her sister, Kathryn Ann Kelleher Minta (Steve) of Oregon; three nieces, Michele Kathleen Kelleher Davis (Greg), Sarah Marie Robinson-Kelleher (Greg), and Robin Lee Kelleher, all of Woodland; a nephew, Erin Patrick Kelleher of Colorado; two sisters-in-law, Sandra Gayle Finch Kelleher, and Margaret Mary Anthony Romankiw (John), both of Woodland; a brother-in-law, Richard Thomas Cooper of Medford, OR; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

Both of her parents’ families came from Colorado, where she has many surviving relatives, including her aunt and uncle, Edna Joanne Kelleher Parrish and Willett Frank Parrish of Johnstown, and their children, Karen Jo, Laura Ann, Steven Frank, Daniel “Danny” Scott, and Jeffrey Mark. Also, cousins Elizabeth Leah Kelleher of Indianapolis, Shawn Eugene Gunder of Georgia, Kellien Ann Gunder of Colorado, Robert Patrick Gunder of Kansas, and Mary Kathleen Gunder Crompton (Mark) of North Carolina.

Funeral arrangements: A viewing will be held Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Smith Funeral Home (116 D Street, Davis) with a Rosary being recited at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 5, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Saint James Catholic Church (1275 B Street, Davis). Consider bringing a light finger food to the potluck reception. The Mass will also be live-streamed: https://youtu.be/UDrnAjsFt-E. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either Saint James Catholic Church or the Yolo County SPCA. In a family ceremony, Pattie will be buried next to her parents at Davis Cemetery.