Patricia Marie Mahan

Patricia Marie Mahan, born to Laura Stasi Mahan and John Ignatius Mahan, is now reunited with her parents. She was called home to heaven by our divine Father on October 28, 2023. She is at peace. She waged a long battle with extensive illnesses prior to her passing, but never lost her resilient spirit.

Born and raised in Santa Clara, California she graduated from Mother Butler High School (1970), San Jose State University (1974), and received a law degree (JD) from Santa Clara University (1980). She was a practicing attorney. She dedicated her life to the City of Santa Clara, always working for the betterment of its citizens. She followed proudly in her father’s footsteps and became an elected official. She first served on the Mission City College Board, and then served on the Santa Clara City Council as its longest serving member – 22 years. She was first elected to the Council in 1994 and served 8 years, then was elected Mayor and served two terms from 2002 to 2010. Patty was elected to the Council once again in 2014 and remained in office until 2020 when she resigned due to health issues. In her own words, she “…endeavored to improve our city, enhance neighborhoods, and create growth and opportunities for all.” She was proud of the role she played as Mayor bringing Levi Stadium and the 49er football team to Santa Clara. Her immense impact on Santa Clara was felt by its citizens and those in surrounding cities.

Patty was involved with the community in many ways, and worked tirelessly for worthy cause and organizations, serving on many Boards, often as President. These include: Santa Clara Soroptimists, Santa Clara Woman’s Club, Santa Clara University Catala Club, Breast Cancer Outreach at Kaiser Hospital Santa Clara, American Legion, Auxiliary, Santa Clara Library Reading Program, and Ulistac Nature Preserve. She was committed to Historic Preservation, and lovingly restored her grandmother’s historic home in Santa Clara where she resided.

She loved reading books, spending time at her second home in Montana - her “happy place,” finding vintage jewelry, and everyone that knew her commented on her fashion sense and her amazing collection of shoes. If there is no shoe store in heaven, she will definitely open one!

She is survived by her loving and caring husband, John Boyles; her son, Colin, Boyles (Catherine Chang); stepson, Sean Boyles (Rowan Victor); and sisters, Jeannie Mahan (Terry Visger) and Bernie Mahan (Neal White); nieces and nephews (Nikolaus and Teddy Visger, Katherine and Allyson White); grandnephew Cameron Visger and grandniece Olivia Visger. Through her amazing endeavors she touched many lives. She will be missed and remembered by everyone.

Patty's life will be celebrated on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary with visitation from 5 pm to 9 pm, Rosary at 6 pm, and funeral mass at Mission Santa Clara de Asis on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 9 am. Please wear your favorite shoes.

Reception to follow at Fiorillo’s Santa Clara.

Burial will be held privately.

Contributions can be made to FORCE, and organization empowering those facing hereditary cancers,

www.facingourrisk.org