Patricia Irene Fiedler

Born: April 1 and 2, 1924

Died: Sept. 23, 2024

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Patricia Irene (O’Neill) Fiedler passed away of natural causes after a brief illness on Sept. 23, 2024, in Glendale, Calif. She was 100.

Patricia was born in Caldwell, Idaho, on April 2, 1924, to her parents Irene and Edmund O’Neill. According to Patricia’s mother, the birth certificate erroneously listed April 1, so Patricia celebrated both days as her birthday for most of her life.

Patricia grew up in Southern California and attended Shenandoah Elementary School, where she walked to and from school each day. Patricia had very fond memories of high school. She graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles in 1941, where she helped write its inaugural Constitution. She traveled to school on the Red Car and then later by bus when she moved to Hermosa Beach. Patricia graduated from UCLA with an AA in 1943, and from Mount Saint Mary’s College in 1946 with a BS in Economics. One of Patricia’s highlights from college includes being President of her senior class. They were known as the “Chicks of ‘46.” She met many of her lifelong friends during her college years.

In the mid-1940s, Patricia worked at North American Aviation and Air Research Manufacturing Company. She later worked at the Union Oil Company where she met Fred S. Fiedler in March of 1947. Six months later, Patricia & Fred married on Sept. 20, 1947. They were married 60 years until his passing in 2008. They initially lived in Burbank and then moved to Glendale in the 1950s. They needed to move to yet another house in Glendale to accommodate their growing family that ultimately totaled 12, with four girls and eight boys. Patricia took wonderful care of her family, which included being Team Mom, Room Mom, Den Mother and Bluebird Leader. She also drove her children to innumerable doctor appointments, emergency room visits, practices, games, swim meets and to various school events. Seasonally, she drove much of the family to Disneyland.

Patricia had a lifelong love of Hawaii which began when she and Fred took their first of many trips to the islands in 1959. Beginning in 2001, they enjoyed spending every summer on Maui with different family members including a terrific mini family reunion in 2007.

When they at last became empty-nesters, Patricia and Fred enjoyed many amazing trips together all over the world. In their sixties, they boldly rode mules to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up to the rim. And, they had the aches to prove it. In 1975 and 2000, there were memorable family vacations at Disney World in Florida. A Disney devotee, Patricia relished trips to various Disney Worlds abroad.

Patricia was enthralled by technology and was the first in her family to have an iPhone in 2007. Well into her nineties, she could handle her iPhone like a teen-ager including checking her daily steps, the stock market, and playing solitaire. But, most importantly, Patricia enjoyed keeping in touch with her family and friends through texts, emails, phone calls or FaceTime calls.

Her other passions included embroidery, personal fitness and service to others. She was a noted teacher of hardanger where she made many friends over the years. She was a longtime member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America.

She was a dutiful member of PEO for many decades and developed lasting friendships with fellow philanthropists. She also served as an Al-Anon sponsor.

From 1992 to 2016, Patricia competed in many 5k walks and won numerous ribbons/medals including for “oldest finisher.”

Patricia was an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with. She was filled with dedication, love, kindness and humility while accomplishing so much in her 100 years. She carefully saved and invested throughout her life, while generously donating to many charities.

She was a devout Catholic and was actively engaged in the Church throughout her life. She was a true “prayer warrior,” always thinking of everyone in her life. She was a proud centenarian with her recent 100th birthday celebration surrounded by family and friends who loved her dearly. The best mom, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, and role model one could hope for.

Patricia is survived by 11 of her 12 children and (their spouses) including: Stanton, Patricia (Michael), Maureen (Patrick), John (Christine), Frank (Christina), Jim (Roanne), Bill, Patrick (Karen), Mary (Ed), Mike (Margot) and Thomas.

She is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. And, she is survived by her half-sister Diana (George) Rost.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her eldest child, Katherine, who passed away earlier this year.

Her funeral is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2024, at the Risen Christ Chapel at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, Calif. Interment to follow the service.

A Vigil Service is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2024, at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village, which is in charge of arrangements. Patricia’s obituary, with more photos, can also be accessed at DignityMemorial.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.