Passed Away On: June 10, 2021
Mary Patricia (Pat) St. John died at her home in Hollister on June 10, 2021. She was 84. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Leo, her brother and wife Jack & Ellen Paasch, her children, Morgan & Marvin Bacigalupi, Kelly & Rosemarie St. John, Peter, and Sarah (predeceased). Also, grandchildren Katie & Jason Furie, Ricky & Cristal Torculas, Megan & Mitch Morris, Mia Bacigalupi & Leo St. John, also six great grandchildren.
Pat was born in San Francisco, and spent her early years living on the San Francisco peninsula. Her family moved to Richmond where she graduated from El Cerrito High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Leo, who resided in Berkeley and attended St. Mary’s high school, in 1957.
Life was never dull for Pat. There were many moves; Pat & Leo lived in three states, nine cities, and eleven different homes. While raising children, Pat worked full time in a variety of jobs. She made friends for life everywhere she lived and worked, connections she cherished.
Pat proudly graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a degree in English Literature in 1982, completing the college education she’d started at San Jose State University before marriage. She was always quick with a “Go Bears!”
Volunteerism was a major thread running through her life. Many organizations benefitted from Pat’s hard work and organizational skills, but none so much as The Community Food Bank of San Benito County. Pat began helping at the Food Bank in 2002 Frustrated by the constant lack of funds, Pat proposed opening a thrift store, proceeds to benefit the Food Bank. This effort became her crowning achievement. Pat spearheaded the venture in all aspects, and worked at what became known as “Pat’s Place”, until 2016 when her health forced her to retire. Pat’s Place generated more than a million dollars for the Food Bank. For her efforts, Pat was recognized with a Jefferson Award in 2011.
Pat was a powerful force. Her determination was remarkable. Her love of life, her connection to all she crossed paths with, her compassion, and her humor were all unmatched. Her spirited essence will live on in the countless people whose lives she touched.