Patricia J. Thomas

Patricia “Patti” Jean Thomas, 61, passed away May 22, 2022 at her home in Fairfield, California. Patti was born to the late Milton and Barbara Johnson in Tracy, California and was raised in Modesto California, where she graduated from Downey High School, following her year as a German foreign exchange student. Patti earned her BA and teaching certificate from Brigham Young University, graduating magna cum laude and as valedictorian of the College of Geography. During college, Patti married Brad Thomas and moved to the Vallejo/Benicia area in 1984 where she immersed herself in two of her greatest passions – her children and education. Patti was a passionate, dedicated, and exceptional high school teacher in both the Vallejo Unified School District and Benicia Unified School District. Over her more than 30-year career, Patti shared her infectious love of education with thousands of students, studying German, US History, World History, and World Geography among other subjects. She took exceptional joy and pleasure from her years of coaching the Academic Decathlon team. It was during the latter part of her career, Patti combined her love of education and her love of art to develop Benicia’s AP Art History program. Students, colleagues, and the community benefited from her passionate enthusiasm – resulting in a full Art History schedule, every class filled to the brim, and one of the highest AP test passage rates in the State. Patti was immensely proud of her children and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. She dedicated herself to assuring her children had the confidence and independence, and were afforded every opportunity, to chase their respective passions and dreams. Patti was excited to witness their personal successes and happiness. She was beyond all excitement with the recent birth of her first grandchild, Joanna Jean Valerio. Patti is survived by her daughter, Natalie Jean Valerio, her son-in-law Jesse Valerio, and granddaughter, Joanna Jean Valerio, her son, Ethan Alexander Thomas, the Ward and Cremin families, and many loving, long-term friends. Patti was exceptionally blessed to have enjoyed such supportive and rewarding relationships with family, friends, and professional colleagues. A celebration of Patti’s life will be held on May 20, 2023 at 12 pm at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel at 901 W Second Street in Benicia. All are welcome to join in the celebration.

Patricia J. Thomas

November 24, 1960 - May 22, 2022