(Feb 3, 1937 – July 1, 2022)
Patricia was born Feb. 3, 1937 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the daughter of Barton Grosso and Katherine (Daniels) Grosso.
She attended schools in Rock Springs and was a 1955 graduate of the Rock Springs High School. Patricia married Robert Jelaca November 7, 1955. From that unity five children were born. The oldest son Barton died short of his first birthday. Patricia was a stay at home Mom until her children were old enough for her to pursue a career.
Patricia attended college at the Western Wyoming Jr. College where she earned an associate degree. The Jelaca Family moved to Bakersfield, CA in 1969 where Patricia pursued her education and graduated from Fresno State University with a bachelors degree in education and subsequently got a teaching credential. She taught elementary and junior high school students in the Bakersfield California School District for 30 years until her retirement in 2000.
Patricia enjoyed life and family. Her greatest pleasure was derived from her grandchildren, Amy and Tyler both born in the same year she retired. She often said she was blessed that the timing of her retirement worked out so perfectly. At that time, Patricia and Robert moved to Ventura, CA to be closer to them. They were involved in their daily lives. They loved to travel with the grandchildren and family especially in the summer months.
Patricia was a physical fitness guru. If she wasn’t at the gym working out, she was walking the dog or hiking with a family member. Patricia loved to travel, she was an avid reader, she loved music, dance, and going to the theater and movies. Patricia loved to shop for clothes and accessories especially with her granddaughter Amy and she always dressed for success. Patricia loved animals. She was forever fond of her cats Rocky and Beau and her dogs Otis, Oliver and Ruby.
Patricia was a devout Catholic. After here retirement she became a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Ventura, CA where over the years she was active in the church. She was a member of Young Ladies ‘ Institute (YLI), volunteered at Saint Vincent de Paul and was a Eucharistic minister to those in the hospital, assisted living and extended care facilities.
Patricia never let any grass grow under her feet. She was generous and was a tireless worker until her body could no longer sustain her energy and life circumstances intervened in a most undesirable way. She was always there when we needed her. She devoted her life to God and family. She will be dearly missed.
Survivors include her husband Robert Jelaca, one son Robert of Oxnard, CA, three daughters: Kathleen Jelaca-Maxwell and husband Jeff of Ventura, CA, Nancy Persons and husband Tyler of Camarillo, CA and Joan Jelaca of Maui, HI: two grandchildren, Amy Maxwell of Ventura, CA and Tyler Persons of Camarillo, CA.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, son Barton and brother, Charles Barnaby. Cremation has taken place and a mass will be held in her honor on Monday, July 18, 2022 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Ventura, CA.
If interested, donations can be made to Saint Vincent de Paul (3175 Telegraph Rd. Ventura, CA) in honor of Patricia.