IN LOVING MEMORY OF

PATRICIA ALICE

VAN SANT

June 25, 1925 - March 16, 2026

Patricia Van Sant passed away peacefully in her sleep, having reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years. Her century of life stood as a profound testament to her unwavering devotion to Jesus and her deep, abiding love for her family.

Born on June 25, 1925, in Los Angeles, California, Patricia was the daughter of Elisabeth Marion and John Eric Van Sant. She was raised alongside her elder sister, Elizabeth (Bettye), who preceded her in death in 1979. Growing up as a "latchkey" child under the care of a hardworking single mother - and with the occasional assistance of a neighbor who was a nurse - Patricia developed a lifelong passion for reading and a spirited enthusiasm for rollerskating, the latter of which famously resulted in a broken arm. Her spiritual foundation was laid early as her mother took her to church whenever circumstances allowed.

During her time at Dorsey High School, Patricia mastered the secretarial arts, becoming proficient in typing, shorthand, dictation, and the operation of mimeograph machines. These skills paved the way for a fulfilling career as a legal secretary, a profession she truly loved for its intellectual challenges and the opportunity to study the law. During the war years, she also served with grace as a USO volunteer, offering companionship and dances to members of the U.S. Military.

In 1943, following the conclusion of the war, Patricia married her high school friend, Marty. The couple eventually settled in Westchester, California, where she retired from her professional life to focus on the upbringing of their four children: Linda, Jimmy, Steve, and Kathleen. A woman of many talents, she was a fixture at Westchester Christian Church, where she taught Sunday school. Her creativity flourished in the home; she was a gifted seamstress who tailored clothing and household items to a perfect fit and an intuitive cook who modified recipes until they met her exacting standards.

By 1968, as her family outgrew their original home, they transitioned to a larger residence in Rancho Palos Verdes. This move allowed Patricia to expand her interests into landscape design and interior decorating, where she found great joy in planning hardscapes and selecting the perfect flora for her gardens.

Life took a significant turn in 1975 when Patricia became a single parent and the primary breadwinner for her two teenage children. With characteristic resilience, she polished her professional skills and returned to the legal field, quickly adapting to two decades of industry changes. During this period, she found spiritual community at Rolling Hills Covenant Church, remaining as active as her full-time career permitted.

Anticipating a future need for family support, Patricia followed her daughter Linda to Glendora, California, in 1996. Her new home became a beautiful reflection of her personality, filled with flowers and her signature love of the color pink. She became a dedicated member of Grace Church of Glendora, where she participated in the Women’s Bible Study and volunteered with AWANA. Nothing brought her more joy during these years than attending the various activities of her grandchildren.

In 2021, when the demands of daily life became too great to manage independently, Patricia moved to Genesis Manor Board & Care in LaVerne. Even in her final years, she was a light within the small facility, cherished by caregivers and fellow residents alike for her cheerful disposition and consistent kindness.

Patricia was preceded in death by her sister, Bettye; her infant son, Jimmy, who passed in 1956; and her son, Steve, who passed in 1981. Her legacy of love is carried forward by her daughters, Linda (Doug) and Kathleen (Mike); her eight grandchildren, Wendy (Eric), Bryan (Sara), Elizabeth, Amy (Nathan), Christina, Stevie (Pip), Jenn (Andy), and Kae; and her six great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn, Justin, Jack, Charlotte, Maggie, and Cody.

Patricia Van Sant will remain forever in the hearts of her family, her friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her long and beautiful journey.