Patricia Mary Warmerdam

Patricia M. Warmerdam, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, age 89, passed away on Friday, 22 September 2017, in Fresno, California. Somewhat poetically, she concluded her earthly journey during the service for her recently departed husband, Leo. We are grateful for having had the blessing of her love and the example of her life for so many years. 

In 1956, Patricia immigrated from the Netherlands at the invitation of her soon-to-be husband for what turned out to be 60-plus years of a new life in California. On 1 May 1957, they married in Artesia, California, and, together with her in-laws, went into the dairy business. Southern California was changing rapidly in this era, so in 1968 came the “big move” to Hanford. Patricia was the partner that kept the home together, always there for her husband and children. However, she also gave back to her community: hours to the Sacred Heart Hospital Auxiliary; mending and re-selling school uniforms for the benefit of the families with children at St. Rose-Thomas McCarthy Memorial School; and, with Leo, a commitment to the Marriage Encounter ministry through St. Brigid’s Church.

Patricia was widowed after 60 years of marriage to Leo. She is survived by her children, Mary-Ann (Robert Falconer) and Matthew (Carole); four grandchildren, Christopher, Nicole, Benjamin and Danielle; as well as numerous sisters-and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Patricia has touched are invited to celebrate her life on 29 September 2017 at 11 a.m., St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 19399 CA-120, Ripon, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either the Thomas McCarthy Foundation (c/o St-Rose-Thomas McCarthy Memorial School, Hanford, California) or St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Hanford, California.

Patricia never regretted her decision to leave the Netherlands and make a new life in California, even as she missed her family “back home”. May she be at peace, know that she was loved and we were blessed.

 Service Information