Obituary of Patricia Susan Gorman

Pat was born August 15, 1955, to Richard and Bernadine (Dee) Gorman in Sacramento and passed away unexpectedly on September 2, 2022, in Santa Cruz, CA. She attended Our Lady of Grace School in West Sacramento and graduated from Bishop Manogue High School in Sacramento. Shortly after graduation, she enlisted in the US Navy and was selected for Flight Controller school. After her discharge from the Navy, Pat returned to Sacramento, then lived and worked at Yosemite for a time before settling in Santa Cruz. She attended Cabrillo College and graduated Magna Cum Laude from UC Santa Cruz, earning degrees in Women’s Studies and Community Studies.

Pat lived a beautiful life, devoted to worship, work, and study or meditation.  When asked how she would get by, Pat insisted St. Joseph would always take care of her. She committed her life in service to her God during young adulthood and she lived out this commitment throughout her life.  She also embraced life as a gift and her big heart cherished her family, friends and community members. Pat traveled extensively including embarking on international backpacking trips. She enjoyed outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, biking, and walking/hiking which included in Machu Picchu, Peru, Mont Blanc in the Alps, and the 500 mile walk of the El Camino de Santago in Spain.  She also loved to dance. Daily, Pat could be seen on walks with her beloved dog Pydon.

Within the Diocese of Monterey, Pat served at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Capitola, at Siena House in Santa Cruz, and at Monterey Diocese Catholic Charities. Pat was an active member at Holy Cross Parish. Pat is also an Oblate of the Camaldolese Benedictine community in Big Sur. Over the last thirty years, she devoted herself, body and spirit, to the residents of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Home in Santa Cruz. Pat was not only the resident manager but a transformative force in the lives of countless families in crisis, providing love, shelter and opportunities to women, children and the terminally ill. She was affectionately known as “Pat-Mom.” She was recognized as a Trailblazer by the Santa Cruz County Women’s Commission and by the Santa Cruz County Red Cross for her innovative work with homeless women and children.

She is survived by her beloved siblings and large extended family, and the many people whose lives she touched in Santa Cruz.
A Visitation will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Thursday, September, 15th from 1pm-5pm. A Vigil Service will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High Street in Santa Cruz, CA on Thursday, September 15th at 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Friday, September 16th at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JMJ c/o St. Francis Soup Kitchen, 205 Mora Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or stfrancissoupkitchen.org/how-to-help/#donate