It has been over a month since she passed.

Our hearts still ache, but the time we had together remembering her in Los Angeles was healing and filled with love.

Here is the tribute video we shared at her celebration along with some of the words Jenny shared about her life. Thank you to anyone who may take the time to read and watch. Shedding light on her life, a woman who rarely talked about herself, is just one way we have found comfort and peace in these last weeks:

“This video sheds light on all the different moments in our mom’s life. While I was making the video, one word kept ringing in my heart…besides “love.” It was “journey.“ Because, for anyone who knew our mom, you’d know her life was definitely a journey, to say the least. It had its bumps, its twists, its ups and downs. But with every step, she walked it with grace, beauty, kindness and an unparalleled inner strength and resilience. She faced challenges that would have normally stopped anyone else in their tracks. She was born in India, the family being some of the only foreigners in town, had to flee in the middle of the night to Hong Kong, moved continents again in middle school to Canada, worked so hard for our education in the US and rebuilt our family when outside circumstances threw all the wrenches into our lives, and of course, had to fight cancer after it all.

Every one of those challenges could have easily become something that defined her, something that hardened her. But she never chose to let any of it hold her back. She told us about the delicious mangoes she ate in India, about learning so much so fast in Hong Kong, about her passion for her auditing job working for the Canadian government - she loved auditing!! - and about all the beautiful people who were kind to us when it seemed like all the darkness was caving in.

Then, in the twelve years that our mom fought cancer, she learned and relearned how to do things that continuously surprised us all. She picked up her bike again. I remember her telling me how she’d practice up and down by the parking garage, she was so determined; she learned how to sail and how to ski. She traveled the world, visiting all three of us wherever we were — venturing to places she had always dreamed of seeing — France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium, the UK. She danced with joy and when she laughed, when she really laughed, it was louder than any other laugh we’ve ever heard. She had an aura that lit up every room she entered, and a kindness that touched every person she met. To the very end, she loved deeply and wholeheartedly, always looking after others, even in those moments when she was the one who needed help the most.

Our mom showed us that the journey is what we make of it and how we choose to live it. We always wished that she didn’t have to go through so much hardship in her life, and we still wish it. But it is important to share all these parts of her journey because the whole of it is her story: the light and the darkness together. Hers is the story of light overcoming. She showed us that joy and love are not things you just stumble upon—they’re things you create and share with others. And she shared them so freely with all of us.

That’s why I know her journey doesn’t end here. Because it continues through each of us. Her spirit will always shape our lives and our children’s lives, for generations to come. She taught us how to live with an open heart, how to face life’s challenges head on, and how to spread positivity wherever you can.

What we hope to show in this video is the beauty, the adventure, and the love that our mom radiated. But we know, it’s just a fraction of her journey, because it’s only told through our lenses. Each of our stories, our memories, our shared moments with our mom, are so unique. What the past weeks of everyone so generously reaching out have shown us, is that it’s when all our stories come together, that the beautiful tapestry of our mom’s life truly shines - a life well-lived and deeply loved. So thank you for sharing your stories with us. We hope to continue doing so every day for the rest of our lives.

Mom, we are endlessly grateful for you; for every moment you shared with us, for every smile, and every ounce of love you gave. You always told everyone how proud you were of us, but really we are the ones who are so proud of you. Your journey is a part of all of us now, may we carry it forward with the same beauty, courage, and heart you showed us —forever and always. Thank you, momma. For everything.”

Dear Michele, Ryan and Jenny,

We will always remember Patricia for all the wonderful times we had playing mahjong at Harbor Point. We had so much fun, laughter and great conversations.Patricia had a wonderful sense of humor. She was vibrant, stylish and beautiful inside and out. We will miss her and we are so sad 😞 and sorry for your loss. 

Our deepest sympathies to you.

Ellen, Helen and June

I am very sorry for your family’s loss. It is never easy to lose anyone especially as important as a beloved mother.  

I am glad that I got to meet your mom a few times. The biggest thing that stood out to me was that she was really proud of her children.  It was a beautiful thing to watch to see her brimming with happiness and pride because of what the 3 of you have become.  Remembering her gentle smile and the kindness that she always displayed to everyone. She definitely sacrificed a lot with the stories you have shared and for that she will always be remembered fondly. 

Condolences to the entire family and continue on her legacy in her memory. 

I am so sorry for your loss.  Michele, I remember meeting your mom and your whole family on several outings you organized.  I always remembered your mom’s name because she had the same name as my college BFF.  She was beautiful inside and out.  Also, she was a great neighbor to us and my grandparents.

Dear Michele,

While I only met your mom briefly, I could easily tell how much she loved and treasured you, and I can only imagine how hard it must be to go through her loss. She will live not only in your memories but in your daily actions, as I am sure you will continue demonstrating with your work the many lessons she shared with you. Please take care of yourself during these difficult times.

Here for whatever you need,

Your fellow CTA board member Roberto

I meet Patricia through another sister. And we got connected just so we could connect with Michelle during her search for ways to support Michelle after her accident. 

Patricia was quiet, but today as a mom, I can identify with her with the love for her children and she would cross oceans to find ways to bring happiness and peace to her children. 

What I can leave you with is this Bible verse : “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/p…

Patricia is a precious jewel we cannot find  

Praying for comfort to her family and her love ones  

So sorry for your loss, sending prayers and condolences to you and your family in these trying times.

I remember all too well meeting Patricia for the first time.  She was sweet, fun, and embraced me as Michelle's friend.  As time went on, she became a friend to me as well.  Whether it was an outings to Gourmet Chicago or sitting at a blackjack table at a Catholics Charity, events were always more fun with her around.  You can see the love she had for her kids just by how she looked at them.  The pride was obvious.  You can see the greatness Patricia was through her kids now.  The world will be less bright and fun without her but the heavens above has welcomed a precious angel.  I will miss you.  

My deepest condolences to you and your family. May the Lord give you peace at this time.