Norma Jean Patricio
May 24, 1929 - August 27, 2021

Norma Jean Paradiso Patricio, beloved wife, mother, and native resident of Los Banos passed away at her home on August 27, 2021, surrounded by her daughters. Born on May 24, 1929, Norma was the only child of Rose and E.R. "Rossi" Paradiso. She attended Los Banos schools, making many life-long friends, enjoying numerous cousins, and meeting the love of her life, Ben Patricio, in 7th grade when they were paired to play doubles tennis. Ben recently proceeded her in death on June 11, 2021.
In her high school years, Norma was known as talented and popular. She was chosen as Girl's State representative, acted in dramatic productions, and served as May Day Queen in 1947. Ben and Norma courted in high school, followed by marrying at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on August 1, 1948.
As Ben grew the family grocery business with his father and brother, Norma grew her large family. Her love of nature, art and beauty graced her home, reflecting her appreciation of the outdoors and travel, especially to the ocean. Norma's creativity soared through the years as she crafted hand molded pottery, dried flower arrangements, and exquisite items fashioned from environmental objects. One of Norma's favorite past times was hunting seashells on the coasts of California and Mexico. She crafted boxes and mirror frames as gifts for others. Norma enjoyed frequent road trips throughout California, the US, and foreign countries, including Canada, Europe, and South America. Her favorite places remained coastal areas such as Bahia Kino and San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
Norma's five children were all born in Los Banos and remain in California. They include Susan Patricio Sonnenburg of Chico, Mary Jane Patricio Reed of Woodland, Lynn Patricio, Los Banos, Beth Patricio Bates of Nevada City and Joni Patricio Bestone, Twain Harte. Norma loved her large extended family of 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren. They visited her often, affectionately referring to her as GG.
Norma was also known for opening her heart and home to several young women over the years, becoming "mom" to Colombian foreign exchange student Maria Clemenicia Gonzalez in the 1967-68 school year. She later added to her "adopted" tribe, most notably Michelle Amabile of Los Banos and recently her attentive home caregivers.
Norma's family will gather for a rosary and private family service at Whitehurst Chapel on September 8, 2021 at 10:30 am with internment following at Los Banos Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant Care Hospice, 125 N. Broadway Ave., Suite 1A, Turlock, CA 95380 or a children's charity of your choice.

Tributes