Patricia Ghilarducci Orey

"She was a tough bird." This was Pat's final entry as she prepared and added to the notes she filed away for her children. One had to be strong and resilient to live a life as full as hers, and as enduring as hers. A native of San Francisco, young Pat was enrolled at Dominican University of California San Rafael by her mother who had decided she was not having her daughter attend "secretarial school." It was here that her lifelong passion for art history began. After graduating in 1950, she moved to Carmichael where she raised her family. Pat would later return to school and begin a teaching career in the San Juan Unified School District, retiring in 1991. Pat was blessed with two long marriages, each spanning 30 years. With Alfred Ghilarducci, they had Sue, Lisa, and Mark. Life was busy and reflected the activities and pursuits of their children. A lot of basketball, spring flings at Jesuit High School, countless volunteering, "jeeping" in the Sierras, cooling off in Cupertino, and modeling at the mother and daughter "Easter Frocks and Frolics" benefit. Pat was as proud as they come of her children. Truth be told, her favorite line was, "My son, the doctor." Pat lost Al in 1982. With Walter Orey, a new chapter continued in Carmichael. Pat's family circle grew with the addition of Walter's children Stephanie, Jim, Matt, and Stacie. Life was in full swing and reflected the activities and pursuits of one social butterfly, and a willing and happy companion. Their adventures took them to places that would grace the shelves of the Barnes and Noble travel section. Time at Eskaton Village brought her great joy as she settled into her golden years. Her social network grew as she became a popular resident and a cherished friend. Pat lost Walter on Valentine's Day, 2020. A woman of vigor and vitality, she was seldom seen without a pen in her hand making lists or filling in the boxes of a crossword puzzle. Her passions were made of nothing but the finest part of pure love. Love of travel, ancient art born out of college days, and history of the East, California, and military. Her tastes evolved over time as she would say, "Lately, my favorite artists are little known ones like Mariel Dupree (French), and Edgar Payne (Western)." Books and magazines could often be found stacked around the family room. An avid reader, she would proudly share, "I'm not reading what's on the bestseller list. I like books by first time authors set in Asia or Eastern Europe." "People" are who she loved, not what she read. She collected cloisonne, wore jade, and tastefully furnished her home with oriental favorites. Classical music and jazz frequently turned up the volume in her home. This, March Madness, and the Golf Channel...passions passed on from Mark and Al. Pat was a fashionista, wearing what is the current rage. Tailored pants, t-shirt, classic blazer, tennis shoes and wrists adorned with gold bracelets...a perfect ensemble for her long-standing membership at Arden Hills Country Club. Here, she swam regularly and would continue to do so until her body could not. When grandchildren arrived, she was an attentive grandmother who got caught up in the Beanie Baby craze, picked up Happy Meals, played hours of board games, and delighted in their growth. Pat was thankful for all who helped in her care at Ansel Park Assisted Living in Rocklin. It was a challenging couple of COVID years. With courage, she maintained her life as best she could. Loving friends provided a steady source of pleasure and comfort for which she was immensely grateful. Alexa became her new best friend, offering her news and music on command. Phone calls with her children were vital. A happy Thursday was her last day there, when Pat enthusiastically shared with her kids of her field trip to the library. She had bought seven books for seven dollars! As difficult as it is to no longer have Pat in our lives, we cherish the moments and memories that tell a story of a lovely lady who cared deeply for her family while living a technicolor life with surround sound. Hers was a remarkable life that only a "tough bird" can carry. She will be deeply missed and remembered. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 4th at 11 AM at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Carmichael. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Jesuit High School (Carmichael) or Saint Mary's College of California (Moraga).