Patricia Winterson

Patricia Winterson 

1936-2024

Patricia Marilyn Winterson, age 87, of Marin County, California, passed away on April 27, 2024. Pat was born on June 11, 1936, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to Harold and Sophie Winterson (née Rapoza). Pat knew heartache at a very early age when her mother died of tuberculosis. The events that followed shaped her into a fiercely independent and courageous young woman. She grew close to her Massachusetts relatives, graduated from New Bedford High School in 1954, and shortly thereafter moved to California seeking new experiences and adventure. She landed in San Francisco, and eventually moved to her home in Mill Valley where she lived most of her life.

Pat had an impressive and rewarding career at United Airlines that began as a flight attendant in 1958 in San Francisco. She worked for United for 43 years, and in 1973 was the highest ranking woman at the company (managing more than 1,300 people). Pat helped challenge gender-based discrimination and promote equality in the workplace. In 1976 she delivered a speech about women in management, the first time in the history of United that the subject had been addressed publicly. She was incredibly driven, pushing the boundaries at work, and also pushing herself intellectually, reading entire collections of classic authors, and seeking mentors and friends who expanded her horizons and perspectives. She earned a degree from University of San Francisco in 1979. 

A curious adventurer, Pat’s life was full of travel and exploration. She loved bargain shopping in Hong Kong, exploring museums and architecture in Paris, and passing the time in restaurants and bookstores in Florence. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, friend and employee. She was a lover of novels and biographies, a generous supporter of animals, and an old movie buff. And she loved her dear Gracie, Sophie and Phoenix. 

Pat is survived by many dear famly and friends, and is predeceased by her partner of 20 years and best friend, Frank Murphy, and her three beloved brothers. She has spent her life exploring with people she loved, and now she’s on to her next voyage, with lots of love waiting for her on the other side. To honor Pat’s deep love of animals, please consider a donation to one of her favorite organizations, Marin Humane Society.

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