Patricia Dillon Bliss

Patricia Dillon Bliss died peacefully at home on 3 December 2015. She was born 17 August 1945 in Sioux City, Iowa, the first child of Ilene Tanner and Francis Bernard Dillon.

Patty grew up in Sacramento, California and attended Holy Spirit School and McClatchy High School. She attended UCSB and was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority, where she began her life-long passion for volunteerism.

Patty was a devoted full-time community volunteer who helped people in need through an impressive list of local non-profits: the Junior League of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Montecito Association, Planned Parenthood, Family Service Agency, Santa Barbara Foundation, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara. In 1996, Patty was named Woman of the Year, and in 2004 Health Care Hero.

Patty will be sorely missed by her family and many friends. She proved herself a fierce survivor in her battles this year addressing them with a bravery, humor and graciousness that was admired by all. Her family is very appreciative of the thoughtful and tireless care that was provided by numerous medical staff, nurses and caregivers.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years Terry George Bliss in 2012. She is survived by their daughter Chonnie Bliss Jacobson, son-in-law Paul Jacobson, and her granddaughters Lily Marjorie Jacobson and Emily Bliss Jacobson of Snowmass Village, Colorado; siblings John Forrest Dillon (Kristina) and Paul Francis Dillon (Kristi); nieces Anneli and Karalee Dillon; nephews Justin and Zachary Dillon; sister-in-law Wendy Bliss MacMurray (Tim), brother-in-law Timothy Kenyon Bliss (Ginny); nephews Jason MacMurray and Teddy Bliss; nieces Kristen and Megan MacMurray and Tory Bliss; and Israel and Mary Torres.

Patty requested no memorial service but contributions to Family Service Agency 123 West Gutierrez Street Santa Barbara 93101 are welcomed.