Patricia M. Shipley

Patricia M. Shipley, age 78, of Grants Pass, beloved friend, died March 2, 2013 at Royale Gardens Health & Rehabilitation Center in Grants Pass.

Pat was born January 27, 1935 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. When she was 5 years old, her family moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, and at age 14, moved to San Pablo, California. She was employed at Albertson’s in California for 33 years, as Division Manager responsible for training and development of employees. She retired in 1997 and moved to Grants Pass from Carmichael, California in 1998.

She was past President of Western Welcome Newcomers, organizing and hosting many events including the annual WWN Crab Feed at the Elks, and the annual WWN Barbecue at R-Haus. She was also past President of the Hospital Auxiliary at Three Rivers Medical Center. Pat was an active member of the Merlin Rouge Red Hatters, a member of the B P O Elks No. 1584 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. She volunteered at several organizations, including Retired Senior & Volunteer Program (RSVP).

She loved to dance, and especially enjoyed traveling around the country and to Mexico, with her (Sista) friends. Pat dearly loved and enjoyed her pets – Fluffers, and then Winston. Pat was a beautiful, loving, smart and funny lady who will be truly missed by her family and friends. Her kindness and generosity touched many lives.

Survivors include her son, Rick Shipley and his family of Dixon, California; son Robert Ornelas of Grass Valley, California; and her adopted adult family, Ellen & Julian Hernandez of Grants Pass, Oregon.

Her partner of many years – Mike Gabria – died in March 2002.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 29th at R-Haus, from 2:00 until 5:00 pm. An RSVP is requested. For additional information, and to RSVP, please call 541-471-2249.