Patricia Ann Vassel passed quietly at the age of 92, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, close to family and friends in Fortuna. Born Patricia Ann Giles as the only child to John and Mildred Giles on November 9, 1933, she was a child of the Depression Era and grew up in a strict but loving home that taught the value of hard work and the importance of family. She had many aunts, uncles, and cousins that made for a deep connection to her roots and provided many memories that she would often share. As a young girl she wanted to be called Priscilla, or “Pris,” as her aunt called her. Patsie Anne was another common nickname, and she later became best known as “Mom” or “Pat.”

Pat was raised and educated in traditional Catholic fashion, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Akron, Ohio in 1951, and later earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing and becoming a registered nurse through St. Thomas Hospital in 1955. Married to Michael John Vassel from 1958 to 1974, she had six children. Settling in San Diego she worked continually in health care while raising six rambunctious children to respectable adults until retirement. She never stopped caring for her children and was always a living example of a mother as the central source of power for her family. As the matriarch she provided an open ear and a soft word when needed … as well as a quick word of reprimand when deserved. Moving to Northern California in the new millennium she was closer to her children, most of which had migrated to the North.

As she reveled in the joy of family, she cared deeply for everyone and wanted only for everybody to do their best and strive to be happy. She enjoyed time with her family at barbecues, birthdays, lunches out, or tea around the table. Best of all was Scrabble at Grandma Patty’s … always a good time! She also thoroughly enjoyed gardening (lilacs were her favorite flower), reading good mystery novels, watching classic movies or working on any kind of puzzle.

Although she had many connections with relatives and lifelong friends, none were closer to her than her cats. Bonnie and Clyde were the cutest sibling tabbies, Bonnie was lost early in life, and so it was only Pat and Clyde for many grateful long years. Later, Karma the rescue cat (who had too many other names to list) found a loving home with “Pris” and they both lived happily for many years. She was always loving, caring, and dedicated to all creatures great and small.

She is survived by her children Mark Vassel of Eureka; Susan Vassel and her spouse John Balzas of San Diego; Paul Vassel of Redcrest; Annie Vulyak and her spouse Don Vulyak of Montague; Matthew Vassel of Weaverville; and Joseph Vassel and his spouse Michelle Vassel of Fortuna; and her grandchildren Joseph Vassel and his spouse Melanie Vassel; Andy Vassel; Alison Haas and her spouse Trevor Haas; Natalie Mora; Jeremiah Rash and his fiancé Barbara Toledo; Roman Vulyak and his spouse Neina Vulyak; Madison Vassel; Lena “Parker” Vassel, Wiley Vassel; and her great-grandchildren Mark Vassel, Caleb Vassel; Lily Mora, Eva Haas; Payslie Toledo; Zavaya Vulyak, Zaliyah Vulyak.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John Hightower Giles and Mildred Bridgette Giles (Galvin), and her grandson Kyle Reeves Vassel. There will be no memorial service, however Pris would love for you to donate your heart to your local humane society or reputable animal shelter any time you can.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Pri Vassel’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.