Obituaries

Patricia "Pat" Lee Hoke was granted her well-earned sweet reward, slipping peacefully away on February 10th at the assisted living care home that she had been living at in Fremont, California. It is comforting to imagine that in a far better place, Pat is once again of clear mind, whole of body and holding court

Pat was born on May 22nd, 1944 in Alameda County, California to the proud and jubilant parents, Albert and Laura Hoke. Pat would mention she was a "War Baby." What else is true, she was born in a season of renewal and growth, on a day of full blooms springing from the earth. Pat personified that fact. In sunshine and in shadow she thrived anew, born into the garden of No stranger to trials and tribulations, Pat would go on to freely give of herself in all life's fragility and beauty. She was blessed with wonderfully kind and loving parents, a secure and happy home, and a big extended family that can claim they are rooted in the fact that they have a legacy of loving each other well. That there was always laughter and plenty with a mischievous sense of humor, a trait Pat herself carried. Pat's was also fabulously vibrant, engaging, successfully accomplished, creative, warm, generous and funny. Pat's parents' influence, instilled in her a love of learning, an appreciation of simple joys, the great outdoors, the love of music, reading, art, poetry, cinema, picnics and so much more. Lifelong passions helped by a shared zest for life. Pat devoured any book, magazine, word puzzles and trivia questions. Intellectually curious and most versatile in her wealth of knowledge. A flair for communication and sharp debating skills.

Pat excelled in school. Pat's master’s teacher arranged an interview for Pat with Newark School District where she was hired and would remain a loyal and highly regarded employee in varied positions for 39 years. Pat not only found a steady paycheck in her calling to help financially at home after the untimely death of her beloved father after she had graduated college. She found a second home and a wide circle of lifelong friends. She also found that her very first class was the catalyst to start mending her broken heart. School days were peppered with the sounds of laughter of children developing a sense of humor via Pat's keen observations and storytelling. Pat was the epitome of living one’s passions in the fullness of life. She knew teaching character matters as much as academics to prepare you for the road ahead. All in all, class after class, school to school and the district. It was a happy match to the betterment of countless students, staff and parents. Beyond all the accolades, strong work ethic, varied positions of Teacher, Mentor, Principle and Administrator, Pat had great admiration for her colleagues and was a deeply committed to encouraging and supporting future and first year teachers with opportunities. They say that teachers are the magic makers, the dream builders and the spark ignitors. So true. What else is true, is that the same can be said for Pat in all her many roles in life. A Master Teacher that brings her own undeniable brand of magic. Always one to seize adventure, Pat enjoyed an active retirement with travel, day trips, participating in writing workshops, design and decor workshops, attending clubs and events, along with continued fundraising with her sorority. Pat was a Coast-side girl at heart. Mendocino was a favorite stay and Pat would make regular trips back until she was physically unable. No matter where she traveled, Pat maintained a natural curiosity. She just knew that something wonderful would be seen and perhaps a chance at the unexpected. A welcome enchanted view, accumulated joy and the experience of the day. The moment of awe and of wonder. The moment of magic. Pat was an excellent cook and loved to host at her warm and inviting home or facilitate a gathering elsewhere. She loved to decorate for each holiday, and it was always a real treat for the eyes.

Pat will be terribly missed by all that had the privilege and the pleasure to have known her. A treasure beyond measure. Radiantly and richly imaginative, teaching wholeheartedly throughout her lifetime and motivating us all by her example to explore and discover.

Pat is survived by her loving, yet, too many to name individually, intergenerational cousin and by her loving chosen sister Sandy Rodrigues, her loving chosen brother-in-law, Mark Rodrigues and their family.

The family of Pat Hoke is deeply humbled and forever grateful to Sandy and Mark Rodrigues for their outpouring of love and devotion. Your astounding support to advocate for Pat's best of care made all the difference in making Pat feel safe, secure and as content as possible on any given day and in all circumstances. Your love in countless heartfelt forms of true and lasting friendship and thoughtful understanding made all the difference in making Pat feel loved, cared for, respected and connected. You are chosen family and you will always be connected as cherished members of Pat's extremely grateful Cousin Crew. We can only hope to pay your remarkable capacity to love Pat through her declining health and transition forward to others.

The family of Pat Hoke would also like to thank Hospice and the staff at Merisol Care Assisted Living Facility for their exemplary care, compassion and dignity that you continuously brought to our beloved cousin, Pat and extended to our family with each visit and phone call. Again, we are deeply humbled and forever grateful. Thank you all.

Pat's absence has left a profound mark on us all that can never be erased. The power in her words and the love in her good deeds, the countless students she taught and counseled, building their confidence and preparing them to create a life of their own purpose. A life celebration will be held for Pat Hoke at a future date, when all her dear friends and family will be safe to gather.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to be of charity close to your heart, or simply pay extra kindness to an educator just trying to do their best for their own students in the constantly shifting landscape. Be assured we appreciate all the kindness and fond remembrances and affection shown in honor of Pat. We are confident in saying that Pat cared greatly for each of you.

What better legacy could any of us hope to leave? Let the passion and inspiration of her work and life continue to guide us as well. For we all have been made better for knowing at loving Pat Hoke.