Patty Kerns Gillaspie

Patty Kerns Gillaspie, beloved aunt, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 24th in Santa Rosa, California.

Patty was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, moving with her parents and three siblings to the Peninsula area when she was 10 years old. She attended Carlmont High School in Belmont, where she was famously their Senior Ball Queen in 1967. Gregarious, kind, compassionate and quick to make friends, her classmates also honored Patty by voting her as having the “Best Personality” in her class. An endearing and entertaining storyteller, Patty was well-known throughout her life for her gorgeous smile, fantastic sense of humor and devoted friendship.

After graduation, Patty entertained several careers before finding her niche at Barclay’s Bank. She quickly earned favor from customers and clients, becoming everyone’s favorite drive-thru bank teller. She especially loved seeing all the kids in the back of busy moms’ station wagons and gifting them a lollipop as a special treat. It was during this time she met and married Captain Richard Weare, a retired fire chief. Patty and Richard loved taking his motorhome on camping trips, cooking delicious meals and entertaining family and friends.

After the death of her husband Richard, Patty made a career change. Following her heart and true calling, she began working with children. While she babysat for a few families in San Mateo, she found her passion as the nanny for the Oliver family. Patty absolutely adored the children, Drew, Laura and Sam, becoming an honorary aunt while helping raise them over many years. She remained close to the Oliver family throughout her life.

Patty once again fell in love with a man with a badge, Jerry Gillaspie. They built a life together in Belmont and married on the shores of Lake Tahoe. They enjoyed frequent trips to the Russian River, Lake County, Indiana, Lake Tahoe and Hawaii.

After Jerry passed away and with the Oliver children growing up, Patty bought a house and moved to Modesto. She loved filling her house with her treasured items and searching for antiques to add to her collection. She loved sharing her house with visiting family and friends. In Modesto, she made fast friends with her neighbors and her fellow parishioners at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

In 2016, Patty returned to the Bay Area. While Patty endured many health challenges for the last six years, she never lost her indomitable spirit, her sense of humor, her love of family and friends, her compassion and her zest for life. Patty passed away still entertaining her caregivers, nurses and doctors. She had a bright smile, sparkling eyes, and a keen wit until her final day.

Patty is survived by her sister, Jackie Tinney (Joe), Marty Miller (Rod) and her sister-in-law Carole Kerns, as well as nine nieces: Eileen Goodwin (Chris), Jayne Tinney, Kerry Tinney, Mary Colleen Tinney, Kassy Velasco (Adam), Maureen Segalas (Chris), Patty McDonagh and Kelley Miller. She is survived by her grand nephews and nieces Charlie Goodwin, Grace Goodwin, Mateo “Buster” Velasco, Henry Velasco and Emily Segalas. She was predeceased by her parents, J. Michael Kerns and Jane Kerns Ryan, her brother Michael Kerns and niece Katherine Kerns.

A funeral mass will be held for Patty on Friday, May 13th at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Petaluma at 12:00 Noon. A rosary will be held at the church prior to mass, beginning at 11:30 am. A reception will follow at the Elk’s Lodge in Petaluma. Donations in memory of Patty can be made to The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area. https://www.dscba.org/donate-now.php

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Vigil Service

Friday, May 13, 2022

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

Funeral Mass

Friday, May 13, 2022

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

Reception

Friday, May 13, 2022

1:30 PM

Petaluma Elks Lodge