Patricia Alice Hidalgo

December 11, 1944 to May 20, 2025

Patricia Alice Hidalgo, born December 11th 1944 in Alameda, California departed this life on her own terms. She transitioned peacefully on the early afternoon of May 20th 2025. She was relentless ensuring that all comforts and wishes were in place before entering into hospice. Once she entered hospice, she passed after only 4 days. She was alert until the end, talking, happy and content with her life. She took her afternoon nap and never woke up.

Patricia had two daughters, Wendy and Tricia who had families and grandchildren of their own. After declaring she never liked being called Pat she reverted to her childhood nickname of Patty. To us she was Mom, Momma, Gram, Grandma Hiho and lastly Grandma Patty. Hearing those names made her happiest because it meant she was with the ones she loved the most.

Patty chose to live her life taking a circuitous route. After marrying right out of high school she became a mother soon and chose to be a stay-at-home mom until her youngest started school. Patty worked for Washington Hospital in Fremont and it was there she realized it was her calling to become a nurse. She was accepted to the Nursing Program at Ohlone on the first try which was unusual at the time as it was an arduous process with only 30 spots each year.

She was a diligent worker and student. She was voted “Outstanding Nursing Student of the Year” at her graduation ceremony. We can still recall the picture of my little sister waving a white handkerchief proudly and vigorously when her name was called to get her nursing pin and cap.

Patty was a great and respected nurse. Anyone and everyone came to her for help with navigating their medical issues. She treated everyone the same in supporting and assisting others with their medical issues. Being needed made her come alive. Her informal “diagnosis” was always spot on. She even volunteered to set up hospice care for many friends and family. She would go everyday, voluntarily and on her own time, until the patient had settled in with their routine.

She also spent endless hours charting off the clock. Her patients were given first rate nursing and everyone was treated the same and with dignity. Patty gladly took on all the hardest cases and she never took any short cuts. Patty cultivated great working relationships with doctors and hospitals all over the Bay Area.

After a year or two of Nursing Patty got divorced and lived the rest of her amazing life as a strong, single independent woman. What an inspiration and role model she was.

During the many vacations my Mom planned, whether it was Tahoe or Mexico, she had the opportunity to turn us into lifelong Parrot Heads. All us would sing, “Volcano”,” Fins”, and “Cheeseburger in Paradise” at the top of our lungs. A dance routine or two was created. We even went to see Jimmy in concert in large groups that included 3 generations of family.

After Patty retired due to failing health, she spent much of her time gardening. It was a beautiful and grand garden in which she could get lost for hours. It kept her in shape and happy but it also came to overwhelm her. After a lot of contemplation Patty decided to downsize. She sold her home of over 30 years and moved into a 1 bedroom condo. She had much less to do, but that didn’t last long.

About a year later she had the opportunity to buy a little Villa in Mexico. It was a total fixer upper in a neighborhood in San Felipe. A small, enchanting, fishing village on the Sea of Cortez. Patty passionately poured her heart, creativity and elbow grease into her new venture.

“Mi Casa” was one of the most charming Villas in the neighborhood. Patty was part of amazing community. Every evening it was customary to meet at the Ramada on the Beach. There would be fish tacos for a dollar, potlucks, lots of cocktails, festivals, music, dancing, parties and schmoozing with your community. It was relaxing and customary for neighbors to drop in and out. San Felipe was very lively and mellow at the same time.

Positively an extraordinary way of life. Although the experience was once-in-a-lifetime, she missed her family. The grueling road trip there meant she rarely had visitors from home. During summers San Felipe was much too hot to live there. She began her privileged life of spending 6 months of the year at “Mi Casa” and 6 months out of the year in Fremont. She was fortunate to have this amazing life for several years. She made sure she was always home for the holidays

Eventually, Patty’s health began to fail and she could no longer make the 14 hour drive. She sold the property, but kept her memories of the fun, leisurely, chill life, crammed with siestas and cocktails. It was sad to see it go, but she was ready, one less thing to worry about.

Around Covid Patty’s health began to decline. Patty suffered from many ailments but the cause of her death was Congestive Heart Failure. She was not well enough to get the surgery required to fix her heart. By the end she could no longer walk, but boy did she love to be wheeled around the neighborhood and other places by her family.

Patty’s dream was to have her great grandchildren meet. This was difficult as they lived in different states. When it seemed there wasn’t much time left for Patty, the Oregon family planned a surprise visit. Coincidentally, Patty had visits with most of her friends and family that week so everyone got to meet the Oregon family. She was “over the moon happy” and the visit was just “magical”. Her exact words.

The great grandchildren met and had another play date the next day. This was her last piece of unfinished business and now Patty was ready to go. She was happy, content and totally at peace. She died knowing how much she was loved and how much she meant to so many people.

Patty passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025, feeling the love and knowing her time here was finished. She will be missed by so many friends and family.

Patty touched so many lives. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. If you had the chance to know Patty, you were a lucky person..

There are no final arrangements at this time. The family will be planning a Celebration of Life for her at a later date. Please do not send flowers. Instead spend the day, enjoying the memories of Patty while listening to a Jimmy Buffet Album.

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