Patricia Stone passed away peacefully at her home on December 15th, 2018, surrounded by her family. Pat was born in Pasadena, on May 16th, 1933, to the Copley family, and was adopted by Jack and Helen Boren. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education in 1955 from Linfield College in Oregon. She returned to California and began her teaching career in the Cucamonga school district in 1957 as a fourth-grade teacher. During that time, she met and married her husband of 62 years, Herbert Stone. Pat and Herb moved to Eureka in 1963.

Pat taught in the Humboldt County and Eureka City School Districts, beginning in 1964 at Eureka Junior High School, which later became Jacobs Junior High School. She was one of the original staff members hired upon the opening of Winship Junior High in 1965. She primarily taught Physical Education, as well as Biology, Health, Math, Reading, and English Composition. Pat spent many years at Winship coaching girls’ softball, track, and tennis. After about 25 years, she was recognized as a Mentor Teacher in the district, and she retired in 1993. She was a member of the California Teachers Association, Eureka Teachers Association, National Education Association, and California Association of Retired Teachers. Pat had many fond memories of the lifelong friendships she developed with her and Herb’s colleagues in both teaching and the Forest Service and time spent with them in various social activities and vacations. After she retired, she enjoyed reading, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.

Pat is preceded in death by her father, John Copley and adopted parents, Jack and Helen Boren; husband, Herbert E Stone; and brother, Dick Copley; and close friend Joan Plympton. She is survived by her sister, Roberta Robinson of Sun City, Arizona, her son Jeffrey Stone and wife Theresa; daughter Pamela Thrasher and husband Bradley Thrasher; grandchildren Shannon Stone and Daniel and Jessica Thrasher, as well as her great grandchildren Brooklyn and Izana; her sister-in-law Diane Clark and her husband Robert of Rochester, Minnesota, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the excellent care received by Pat to the following: the staff of Mad River Hospital and Sea View Rehabilitation Center and the Hospice Team of Eureka, especially Dr. John Nelson, Kiona, Coral, Hillary, and Kara. In accordance with Pat’s wishes, her family will hold a private graveside ceremony. In lieu of flowers and cards, the family requests that friends sign the guest book, and leave any memories of Pat on the website.

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