Obituary: Patricia Ann Oakes Melvin July 23, 2022

PATRICIA ANN OAKES MELVIN July 23, 2022

Patricia Ann Oakes Melvin, 74, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2022 at home in Indio, California. Pat was born in 1948 in Los Alamos, NM, and was the third of five children of William R. Oakes and Josephine H. Oakes. She loved growing up with her large family and remained close with her brother, sisters, and their families throughout her life.

Pat graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1966 and attended New Mexico State University, where she studied theater. She met the love of her life, William “Bill” Melvin, one summer night when she was home from school – It was love at first sight. She loved to tell the story of how they met, their first date at the tennis courts, and how they were engaged six weeks later, then married the following February. Once married, their journey began in Los Angeles, CA, where Bill completed his thesis and Pat worked as a fashion model. They lived in many great places throughout the country (seven different states) and made treasured friends along the way. In 1979, they moved back to Los Alamos, where they raised their three children; Josephine, Letitia, and Charles.

While in Los Alamos, Pat & Bill started a computer software company, ICAMP. Pat was very active in the community and poured her heart and soul into raising their kids. She volunteered with the PTA, assisted in her kids’ classrooms, was a Girl Scout & Cub Scout troop leader, coached many youth sports teams, helped with youth theater productions, worked as a computer room teacher, substitute teacher, and a sleepover supervisor. Pat was always the first person to lend a helping hand and was very supportive of her family and friends. She was also active in the White Rock United Methodist Church and the Los Alamos Little Theatre. She loved her friends and was a part of many social groups, such as a Gourmet Club and Bridge Club.

In 1999 Pat & Bill moved to California to be closer to their children and grandchildren. During her time in California, Pat was the CEO of the Hemet-San Jacinto Economic Development Corp, the San Marcos Economic Development Corporation, and later the CEO of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership. 

She continued to be involved in theater and choir – she acted in many productions at the Palm Canyon and Coachella Valley Repertory Theaters and acted and directed with her Sun City Shadow Hills theater group.

When Pat retired, she joined the local jewelry club, began her own jewelry business, and loved sharing her creations with friends and family. She also spent time as a baby snuggler at JFK hospital – she loved babies.

Pat was a wonderful & dynamic wife, mom, grandma, sister, and friend. She doted on her family and was happiest when her family surrounded her. She always reminded her kids, “having you and being a mom was the best thing I ever did.” The simplest pleasures in life brought her great joy.  

Pat created a home that was a lively gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors. She often hosted dinners, karaoke, game nights, and loved when her kitchen was full of food and friends. She often included the new families in town and took many under her wing. Her gift to bring people together was special. Making people feel loved was important to her.

Pat had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh and smile. She had a spectacular voice and loved to sing any chance she could. She was a talented guitar player, a fantastic cook, and could create just about anything with her sewing machine. Her vivacious and giving spirit will be missed by her family, friends, and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.  

Pat is preceded in death by her parents and brother W. Rob Oakes.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bill, her children; Josephine, Letitia and husband Jon, Charles and wife Silvana, 7 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; sisters Lee Bussolini and husband Pete, Jo Grace Buck and husband Roy, Wendy Kalberg and husband Scott Hand, and sister-in-law Maureen Oakes, as well as a large extended family and many friends whom she loved dearly.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at a later date. Please email memorialpatricia@gmail.com for details. 

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