Patricia Ann Matulich passed away on January 13, 2015 at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose after a lengthy illness.

Born to John and Bonnie Gambetta in Hollister Ca., Patti attended Sacred Heart Elementary before graduating from San Benito County High School. It was here that she made many lifelong friends whom she deeply cherished.

Raised on a ranch in Hollister, Patti learned to love and care for animals, cook, play the piano and visit her most favorite place - the beaches of Santa Cruz. Patti was head cheerleader at San Benito High School and was also selected Rodeo Queen of San Benito County. In her senior year, her sister Karen was born.

She attended San Jose State University as a Home Economics major where she developed her wonderful cooking skills. While at SJSU she met her future husband and love of her life, George, and was married on June 22, 1958. Ever nurturing, loving and supportive, Patti helped George through college where he became an educator in 1962. Their successes enabled them to buy a home in San Jose where they have lived all their married life and where their only child Jeffrey John was born in 1965.

Patti worked for the Santa Clara County's Assessors office until she retired in 1978. In retirement she was a world traveler, gourmet chef, caring mother/grandmother, active member in her community, avid swimmer and "go to" support person for her many friends and family. A very strong and loving person who was always ready to help, she showed great courage and strength through her long battle with illness. She was able to smile and laugh to the very end.

Patti is survived by her loving husband George, son Jeffrey (Cassie) of San Jose, grandchildren Taylor Bailey of Santa Cruz and Brent Bailey of San Jose, sister Karen La Corte (Frank) of Gilroy, sister-in-law Kathryn Edwards of Pinole, as well as many nieces and nephews in the region.

A memorial will be held at her home sometime in the near future.