Patricia Joyia, known by family and friends as “Patty,” passed on January 21. She is survived by daughter Adrienne Rush, son John Scott Talbot, granddaughters Amanda Rush and Bonnie Rush, and partner John Kolb, as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends
Patty was a loving, caring, upbeat personality, famous for her hugs. Family, friends, and new acquaintances could count upon being greeted with a big smile and her signature bear hug.
She was born in Missouri, where she still has many relatives, moving to the California East Bay as a child when her family relocated there. Her beloved parents were Clarence Dunn who was a chiropractor and Annie May Dunn who was a homemaker. Patty worked for Pacific Bell first as a telephone operator, moving through the ranks over the years until she retired. She loved animals of all kinds, especially dogs and cats, as well as raising horses, chickens, and pigs. She also loved music, singing and dancing. She was a voracious reader who always had at least one book in progress. She was also a skilled gardener who had her mother’s green thumb, and she sometimes surprised a host with a lovely yellow or pink rose.
She wrote that her deepest values were her love of family. She was often the one to take pictures at gatherings, and as a result many happy events are recorded for her descendants. She was an enthusiastic friend who was happy to offer rides and assistance. She and her partner John were active with many local clubs and enjoyed socializing with friends as well as visiting with family. Her loved ones were precious to her, and she wrote, “Love and be loved – everyone in the world is just as good as you are, but there’s no one any better!”