Patricia Jean (Murphy) Duesberg

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Dec. 10, 1936 - Feb. 19, 2010

Loving Mother, Grandmother, sister, aunt and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Feb. 19, 2010 at the age of 73.

Patricia was born to William Patrick Murphy and Susan Elizabeth Unger Murphy on Dec. 10, 1936. She grew up in McCook, Neb., where she attended St. Patrick's and graduated from McCook High School in 1955. She later met and married Joseph Duesberg from Selden, Kan., in 1957. After the birth of their first child, they moved to Canoga Park (West Hills), Calif., where they set up permanent residence and raised their family of five beautiful daughters.

Patricia worked for Security Pacific National Bank for more than 22 years, retiring in 1993. Following retirement, she and Joe traveled abroad, enjoying the different cultures and people with whom they became acquainted during their travels. After Joe passed away in 1996, Patricia was in search of her next adventure. She became a volunteer for the California Highway Patrol and thoroughly enjoyed wearing her CHP uniform and going on patrol rides. Her desire for community and friendship led her to join a Pan card group at the WVJC center, where she met many wonderful friends who loved and supported her over the years.

Patricia was most proud of her children and grandchildren. She was never shy about sharing their many accomplishments, whether in the corporate world or in pre-school. Patricia was preceded in death by her mother and father; brother Bill and husband Joe.

She is survived by her five beloved daughters and son-in-laws, Debbie (Gary) Gilman, Brenda (Chris) Newton, Cindy (Taylor) Greene, Pamela Hicks, Nancy (Patrick) Lemm; and ten adoring grandchildren, Chris, Melissa, Ryan, Tyler, Hannali, Zachary, Braeden, Trevor, Gavin and baby Alexa. She is also survived by her devoted brothers and sisters, Marion, Elizabeth, Bob, Jerri and Tom, as well as many other loving relatives and friends. Patricia was loved and respected in so many ways and was truly a beautiful person who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her adventurous spirit lives on in her children and grandchildren.

A Vigil will be held on Thursday, 6 p.m., at St. Bernadine of Siena Catholic Church in Woodland Hills. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bernadine's on Friday, at 10:30 a.m.

We invite you to honor Patricia or a loved one by making a special tribute gift to the Memorial and Honor Program of Children's Hospital Los Angeles. http://www.chla.org/site/c.ipINKTOAJsG/b.3579211/k.EA63/Make_a_Tribute_Gift.htm