Patricia "Pati" Eileen Longo

Pati was born September 25, 1927, in Anderson, Indiana to Flay and Arla Lacy. A graduate of Brevard College, North Carolina and the Naval Photographic School in Pensacola, Florida, she served in the United States Navy from 1950 until 1952 where she met her future husband, Charles “Rudy” Longo, a naval officer. As a Navy wife she traveled the country with Rudy’s job transfers, including 2 tours of duty at Pt. Mugu Naval Air Station. Having fallen in love with Ventura County, they eventually settled in Ventura. Pati was a wonderful mother, raising three children and enjoyed 50 years of marriage to Rudy.

Pati was always very active in both volunteer work and politics, serving on numerous federal, state, and city government boards and agencies. Because her eldest son was born deaf, she became very involved in deaf education and awareness, including serving as Vice President of the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness. She was also elected to the Ventura City Council and served as Deputy Mayor for 2 years. Pati received many awards, including Oxnard’s 1966 Woman of the Year, 1967 Navy Wife of the Year, and the Soroptimist International “Woman of Distinction” award. As a breast cancer survivor, she participated in a twelve woman panel on breast cancer with First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. At Mrs. Clinton’s invitation, Pati attended the White House ceremony to initiate the National Breast Cancer Campaign. However, she always said that her greatest achievement was raising her sons.

Pati had an impeccable sense of style. She dressed to the nines just to shop at Trader Joe’s. Her outlook on life was evidence of her strong pioneering spirit. When asked how she was doing, she’d respond, “Well, I’m still sitting upright and taking nourishment!” On her bad days she would reply, “My daddy always said you either get better or die, so Pati you better make up your mind!” Pati always chose to get better with the help of her two caregivers, Lorena and Vicky who cared for her with deep compassion and understanding. Her doctor, John Padour and his staff always took the time to talk with Pati and her family whenever needed, not only caring for her professionally but also personally. The family would like to express their appreciation for all of those who cared for her.

Pati is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Tracy and Julie Longo, Chris and Terrie Longo, all of Ventura, and eldest son, Steve Longo of Hayward. She also leaves behind “her blessings”, grandsons whom she adored, Taran Longo, and the triplets - Brandon, Jordan and Jeffrey Longo, as well as her constant feline companion, Cassidy. Pati was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy in 2002 and her sister, Janet O’Steen in 2000.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, December 14, 2014, 1:00 PM at St. George’s Anglican Church, 6300 Telephone Road, Ventura, with The Right Reverend David E. Pressey officiating. Naval funeral honors will be presented.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main Street, Ventura 93001, or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.