Patricia Anne Byrns (Nordquist) of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California passed away on April 18th, 2025 at the age of 81.  She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 51 years, David A Byrns, and her mother Hazel P Nordquist of Bakersfield, CA.  She is survived by her children, Heather A Byrns of Massachusetts and John R Byrns of California, as well as numerous cousins and extended family in North Dakota.

Patricia grew up in the central valley of California, graduating from Bakersfield High School with the class of 1961.  She realized her dream and moved to San Francisco to complete her Bachelor's degree in Education, graduating from San Francisco State University with the class of 1965.  After graduating, she immediately put her degree to use and began teaching within the Cupertino Union School district, focused on early grade school education.  She proudly identified as a San Franciscan for much of her life. 

Patricia had a deep passion for food, cooking, and entertaining.  In the 1970’s, she was introduced to the Cuisinart line of kitchen appliances and that set fire to a lifelong affection for kitchen tools and equipment – having the right gadget for every need.  She was well known for blending her love of teaching and everything culinary by teaching cooking classes, and was proud to have taken cooking classes with many renowned chefs including Jacques Pépin.  

Patricia was always passionate about volunteering, and was active throughout her life from the Junior League, to leading her daughter's multiple Girl Scout troops, supporting her children’s teachers throughout grade school as a parent volunteer, and more recently volunteering at Laguna Seca racetrack where she built many memories with her husband David, as well as The Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary as volunteer docents through the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.  

Patricia was a tenacious, determined, and headstrong woman who spoke her mind, supported liberal causes, and advocated for those she loved.  She will be remembered for her sharp intellect, her short stature, and her oversized personality.  She was deeply loved.