Patricia Hicks Kleis passed peacefully at the age of 76 at her home in Gilroy, California on Monday, December 1, 2014 with her loved ones by her side.

Patricia was born on May 23, 1938 in Mineola, New York to Eloise Wentworth Hicks and Edwin Hicks. She grew up in Westbury, New York, attended Westbury High School and graduated from George School in Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor's degree from Cornell University, and later earned a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from San Francisco State. After graduation she worked as a rehabilitation counselor at De Anza College and later at Sacramento City College.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Norman Kleis and her infant son, Christopher. She has three living children, Peter Kleis (Jennifer Croll), Robert Kleis (Wendy Hill) and Nancy Robinson (Chuck Robinson) along with 8 loving Grandchildren (Katelyn, Madeline, Colin, Cole, and Casey Kleis and Connor, Mark, and Grace Robinson) and 4 step grandchildren (Jack & Chloe Croll and Reese & Grace Hill).

Patricia came to California in 1960 where she met her husband at Soda Springs, CA. They married in 1963 and settled in Cupertino where they raised their family. After retirement, they moved to Rescue, CA and enjoyed retirement and friends in the Sierra Foothill's town. Following the death of her husband, she moved to Gilroy and lived next door to her daughter where she has resided for the last 8 years. Throughout her life, Patricia enjoyed her family. From attending her grandchildren's sporting events, to travel, her Rescue Book Club, to building their cabin at Donner Lake. Patricia's optimistic outlook on life made her an inspiration to all who knew her. She lived for over 40 years with Multiple Sclerosis, but refused to let it hold her back. In the past few years, she has battled cancer, which ultimately took her from us. She will be truly missed, but her lasting love, incredible spirit, and beautiful smile will remain with all who knew her.

For memorial service information please call Habing Family Funeral Home, 408-847-4040. Donations in her name can be sent to the Northern California Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.