Patty Van Zee Obituary

To the BEST mom in the world. You set an example for us that we can can only aspire to! I think of you every single day.

Patty was a volunteer at the Glendora PubLic Library.
She then was put on staff and worked next to me processing books and we developed a warm friendship.
i miss her so much and her family is the best, she loved her grandkids and even took care of my son's pet while we were camping.
Love to all of the Van Zee family.

Van Zee Family,

Certain people come into and touch our lives, this describes Patty. She had a beautiful personality, always "up beat", right up to the last e-mail from her.
We met Patty and Renus in 1956, so had a 52 year friendship with her.
Our last time together was Feb. 2007, we met Patty & Renus in Palm Springs for a luncheon. As usual when we got together our conversation started out as if we had just seen them the day before, rather than years. We will always cherish that time together.

GOD BLESS YOU'ALL.

Lyle & Joyce

Dear Renus, Jeff, Kim and families,
I grew up in Summit and lived across the street from Patty when we were ten or eleven years old. She graduated and went on to nursing school and I joined the Army. We ended up in California in 1955, she in Glendora and I in San Pedro. I got married in Jan. 1959 and we continued to visit with Patty and Renus. We visited with Patty and Renus on her last trip to California. We knew Patty was not doing well but she continued to keep in touch and sent many pictures of the family by e-mail. Patty was so proud of their children and grandchildren and could not say enough good things about them. We will miss visiting with Patty but will continue to visit with Renus. To know Patty was to love her.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless all of you.
Toby (Jake) and Penny Jacobson. (Newbury Park, Ca.)

Patty and Renus, Van we called him were such good friends of my husband Bob and myself. She was a bright spot in Bobs day when we would meet for lunch or talk on the phone. They inspired each other to keep up the battle. She will be dearly missed as will Bob.
Thank you Van for being such a good friend to Bob.

Deeply saddened to hear of Patty's call to Heavenly glory. Her family lived next door to my grandparents so our friendship extends beyond my memory. From toddler play to high school cheerleaders, to sharing family news, Patty was the greatest!!
God Bless you all,
Marilyn (Richter) & Wayne Mays

Renus, Jeff, and Kim - I was so saddened to hear of Patty's passing. She was such a sweet lady with a smile for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

Dear Renus and family,
It was a pleasure to have known Patty, She always had a bright and positive message for me and I treasured them. I shall truly miss her, as will all who were priviledged to know her. God be with you as you face her absence.

The memories will always remain and to those abundant people that she touched in so many ways in her life time will always remember her wisdom.

Renus, Jeff and Kim

My thoughts and sympathy are with you as I remember our many wonderful times we had over the years. Patty will be greatly missed.

Jeff & Family,
Here's to a remarkable woman. In my thoughts and prayers always, Travis

Renus, Jeff, Kim and Family
Patty was the best and we will cherish the memories. Our thoughts are with you. Renus, take care of yourself and Nancy and I hope to see you soon. We love you.

The Van Zee Family:I was very sorry to hear about Patty.  To know her is to love her.  Her smile kept us going during many days at Sloan.  Our deepest condolances to your family.Carlota & Athleen

We didn't know your mom personally but with such devotion from her family, she must have been a good person and a lovely lady. Our thoughts and prayers are will the whole family.

My Deepest Symapathy:
Patty taught me that you can't underestimate the power of a smile and a friendly "hello". Together, Patty and Renus backed my fearful mornings of radiation with the most amazing kindness I have ever experienced. Her Grace, Love and Remarkability will live with all of us forever and for that I am grateful! She will be missed – now that is an understatement.

Renus, Jeff, Kim and family, Patty was such a wonderful woman and friend. We could not have asked for a better neighbor. When home, she would always bake something and bring it over to us. She was such a good cook. She always knew how to make someone feel better. We will miss her so much.
With all our love, Paul and Ilene

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are woth you.

Dear Renus & Family
Our deepest sympathy to all. We met Patty Lu at the 825 reunion in San Diego. Patty & I (Leona) were the only wives in attendance. It was delightful to meet her and discover that we had much in common-a love of books-we were reading the same ones. We kept in touch via e mail.
All of you must have many happy memories to share with each other.
Sincerely, George & Leona

Renus and Family

I'm sorry for your loss. I'll miss Patty and her always happy self.

Renus, you and Patty have been a joyful part of my life these last few years.

Thank you

Renus, Jeffrey, Kim and Families, although we knew that Patty was faltering when reviewing past messages, it was still difficult to accept losing her. Thank you Renus for calling with the news and to Jeffrey for sending the obituary. Our thoughts of and prayers for the family continue.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Patty's family and to all the people's lives she touched. I met Patty at Glendora Library and had the pleasure of getting to know her at work and outside of work. Renus, I remember the times my young family spent chatting with you two for hours inside and outside your home. You and Patty openned your home to us and even let my children terrorize your house while you and Patty shared stories with us... Kim & Jeff, you and your families are so loved! Renus and Patty couldn't stop talking about you. Big Van, to this day I cannot drive the freeway without thinking of Patty telling me to be careful and scaring me with her stories from her nursing days. Renus, we love you. Patty, we love you and you will be so missed.

Patti and I shared emaill messages across th miles. She still maintained her humor and wit up until the end. She had sent me a picture of Renus and herelf and quoted it as "When we used to look good!" I cherish the time we got to spend chatting.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of Patty's family. My Mother was Patty's first grade teacher, and I was in kindergarten when I first met her in Summit, South Dakota.

Dear Renus, Jeff, Kim & Families,

Patty and I had not been in touch with each other for quite a while. But, when we finally "found" each other again, it was as though we had never been away from each other. When she was in high school, she was the model teenager I looked up to and I wanted to be just like her. She was like a little sister to my Dad and a daughter to my Grandma Mary. She was a beautiful person inside and out.

We'd been emailing each other for the past three years, and I wish we could have gotten together one more time. Most of her emails were about all of you and it was very evident how proud she was of you.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.

Judy Fenner Andrews

Patty and I worked together at Glendora Hospital eons ago. I will always remember her as one of the most empathic nurses to have had the priviledge to work with. I know she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. My sincerest condolences to you all.

Dear Renus, Jeffrey, Kim & Families:
You all know how we loved Patty and the times we were together. All too few. Our love and sympathy goes out to you. She loved you all so very much. God Bless always, your brother Del and sis-in-law Ginger. Patty and I were like sisters, that's why it was so hard to "say so-long".

Patty was a special friend and a special nurse to work with, she always had a smile. I will miss her E-mails. Patty I look forward to seeing you in our heavenly home.
God be with the family.

I was very fortunate to meet Patty and Renus in NYC several years ago. Patty's wit, kindness and inquiring spirit always made our visits uplifting experiences for me. I will miss her, and I hope that Renus will be comforted by his memories of this remarkable woman.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE WE WERE IN TOUCH BUT OUR CONNECTION BEFORE MADE LASTING MEMORIES. I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU WALKED THROUGH MY LIFE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

Patty was an inspiration and a friend through our time together at the Glendora library. She taught me to prune roses. She gave me her humor and wisdom--and over the past several years, thru her vivid emails of life on the east coast, she shared her joy of life. I will miss her and I wish all of you who love her comfort in your memories.

When I retired from my career and became a volunteer for the Glendora Library, Patty was the first person to befriend me. Her warmth and kindness were irresistible. To know her was to be her friend.

Patty was my first nurse, a first and lasting memory that kindness can make us feel better even before the doctor comes in the room. Especially as a very young girl, her wit and sweetness calmed my fears. She is the standard I've measured all the rest against ever since. See you later, Nurse Patty!

Patty was one of the nicest people I ever worked with. Her empathy with/for patients and co-workers was appreciated by all of us and will never be forgotten.
May God be with you during this trying time and always.

Renus, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Patty's lovely personality and beautiful smile I will never forget." God bless Ya'all "

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.