Patricia Ann Fairchild passed away peacefully at home in Modesto, California on Thursday, June 4, 2015 surrounded by her closest family and friends. She was born June 10, 1946, in Escalon CA, to the late Amanda & James Bonelli and was raised there on her Father’s fruit and nut farm. Patty graduated from Escalon High School and became a secretary, working for Rainbo Bakery, where she met her husband Steve. She later worked at Escalon Chamber of Commerce and Bonelli Ranch, in addition to volunteering at McHenry Mansion. She was a member of Saint Joseph’s Church in Modesto, Beta Sigma Phi, Escalon Sunrise Rotary, and the Young at Hearts foundation. Her connection to her hometown and Italian heritage remained strong throughout her life and she maintained a rich social fabric as a result. Patty dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She encouraged her sons to be kind and thoughtful. She was an incredible cook, always going above and beyond expectations, making complex Italian meals and pastas from scratch. She lived for holidays, parties, and family gatherings. Patty played Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elton John and Bob Seger records for her young sons, baked cookies for her son Jim’s band practices and tours, and always made sure everyone left her house with a belly full of hot food or fresh baked treats. She was an incredible and dedicated mother and wife.
Patty developed early onset dementia in her late 50s, yet remained adorable throughout the process. When she began to attend Miller’s place, an adult day care, she insisted she was going there to “help the old people”. When the time came for her to get a full time in-home nurse, she told everyone she finally had gotten a maid.
The Fairchild family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Patty’s longtime caregiver, Teresa Aguilar, and her daughter Keyra Hip Aguilar, whose love and support of Patty during her final years eased the transition through her passing. 
Patty is survived by her husband, Stephen Fairchild, her two sons, Thomas Anthony Ventimiglia and Kirby James Fairchild, her Daughter-in-law Natasha Wheat, her two sisters, Barbara Bostrom and Nancy Anderson and their husbands Gary and Harry, her Brother-in-law, David Fairchild and Shirley Schmaltz, as well as five nieces and two nephews.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deegan Funeral Chapels.  A Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with a rosary beginning at 6:00 PM.  A Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Escalon, with burial to immediately follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
June 10, 2015