Patricia Ann Shea

Patt Shea (Patricia Ann Shea, nee Funge) born in San Francisco, September 17, 1933 passed July 12, 2020 in Novato. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Daria Foehr Sievers, her loving son-in-law, William Sievers, amazing grandsons, Nicholas Shea, and Beau Sievers, PhD., her step-grandson, Teal Sievers, and step-great- granddaughter, Ohana Sievers, step-daughter, Tana D. Davis (nee Shea) and step-son-in-law Dan Davis. Patt is pre-deceased by her beloved grand-daughter, Kyle Sievers, late husband Raymond D. Shea, and her brother, the poet, Robert Funge. Patt loved being a grandmother and enthusiastically reared Nicholas during his formative years, dedicating her life to his well-being. Nicholas has become the outstanding young man that he is today in large part because of his grandmother’s unconditional love and support. He constantly took the initiative in taking care of his grandmother with exceptional kindness and patience. Together, Nick, William and Daria were an unbeatable team of support for Patt.

Patt began her career in the newspaper business in her late teens following her father to the San Francisco Examiner, where Frank Funge, (aka, Ivan Paul) was nightclub editor at “the paper” during San Francisco’s heyday - when Mad Men ruled the day and women fought to be recognized and paid equally for their work (which continues today). Her fervor for human rights was fully ignited during the civil rights movement. She instilled in her daughter at an early age, an earnest regard for the dignity of others and taught her about service as a value to live by. Patt loved words and was never without a book. (We could always rely on her to correct our grammar!) She was a strong voice for women’s rights. An avid baseball fan, in 1974 Patt was among the first to report on Jenny Fulle’s right the to play baseball in Mill Valley Little League, regardless of her sex! She spelled out the discrimination, shined a light on Jenny’s rights and helped lay the groundwork for Title IX.

Patt was known for crafting of brilliant advertising and promotional materials, and outstanding customer service that she provided for local restaurants, hang-outs and businesses. She was constantly earning sales awards and loved to share trips she won with her family. Her heart broke as COVID-19 swept through the Marin dining experience, upending the industry and unsettling the owners and workers she loved and supported. Patt truly loved her work and her colleagues. She counted among the best years of her career, the 17 she spent at the Classified Gazette in San Rafael. There, she found people she respected, a sense of family, and support that buoyed her during difficult times.

Patt adored children and was passionate about education. She devoted herself to exposing her grandchildren to great literature, theatre and other cultures. She took no greater pleasure than teaching them to read and nurturing their love for books. Her last years were enlivened by spending much of her time introducing one of her favorite young people, Bertrand Anglade, to the world of books and the pleasure of reading. We are grateful to Bertrand’s parents, Kettly and Gregoire for sharing Bertrand, and for the care they provided ‘Ms. Patricia’ during her last 5 years. Patt loved Bertrand, Beatrice and Bernard as if they were her own grandchildren and she felt a part of their family. Other members of the Anglade family and extended family who loved and cared for Patt will always be appreciated and held in our hearts.

Patt’s last year and a half were brightened and invigorated by Sam Lemus, her dedicated caregiver. Exercise was a life-long pleasure. A dancer since her youth, at age 86, Patt exercised regularly and wanted to teach a class for elders like herself. She made Sam sweat as he coached her through regular work-outs (soon to be shared online). Sam’s kindness, sensitivity, compassion, and skills brought her comfort and joy. Sam helped to fill the void left when COVID-19 halted family contact. We are especially grateful to the Hospice by the Bay team for their kindness, expertise and sensitive care. Creekside Senior Home took on the challenge of transitioning Patt to a higher level of care during COVID-19 in a fashion that demonstrated generosity, patience and professionalism. Mom, Grandma, Patt, Ms. Patricia, will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. Her love and passion live on within us. Now, she would say, ”Read! Read! Read! And be sure to vote!” Per Patt’s wishes, no memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, please read a book to a child and donate to your local library.
 

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