Here's a bud I placed in our home, I surrounded it with love and water, Every year I watch it bloom into a beautiful flower. And when that Orchid appears next year, Remember me with affection, For it was I who brought that Orchid home, For all of you to water.

Patricia passed away Thursday, April 19, from a brief illness. On Wednesday, April 18, hospice was able to make her final wish come true. Under extreme conditions they were able to transport her home to take her last breathe surrounded by her loved ones. She passed peacefully, gracefully and beautiful as she lived her life. Patricia loved life!

She traveled the world, she loved to dance, bowl, she'd love to laugh, listen to music, and she loved the beach; a true native Californian. She loved God and her family greatly, and friends deeply. She charmed a room with her presence and beauty, and touched many lives with her steadfast courage and strength.

Patricia was born in Los Angeles in 1941; in her teens she moved to Delano, Calif., and has settled in Thousand Oaks for the past 43 years. Patricia had many accomplishments throughout her life, she was Miss Kern County 1959, she was a business owner, and because of the love for her bowling, she worked as a league coordinator at Conejo Bowl and Harley's Simi Bowl before she retired. However, her greatest triumph in life was her family.

Patricia is survived by her 93-year-old mother, Amanda Bonilla; her loving husband, Michael Paul Svec; her daughter, Tammy Grimaldo-Manoly, all of whom reside in Thousand Oaks. She also leaves behind her son, Frank Grimaldo with wife Heike, and her sons, Thomas, Sean and Scott whom reside in Moorpark. Patricia was also a very proud grandmother and was looking forward to attending her much loved granddaughter Amanda Manoly's graduation from UC Davis this June with honors. She will forever remain in our hearts!

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, in the chapel at Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, 101 E. Wilbur Rd., Thousand Oaks.