Patricia Valladao

Patty Valladao, 72, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 27, 2023, after a courageous battle with dementia and associated complications.

She was born on January 3, 1951 in Petaluma, California to the late John William Cavanagh, II and Helen Elizabeth (Olsen) Cavanagh.

Patty had a remarkable gift for conversation and making connections. Her ability to engage with anyone made her unforgettable. One memorable instance was when Patty was in Italy for her niece's wedding. A young American girl who had missed her train sought Patty's assistance in navigating the Italian "weekend" train schedule. Patty not only helped her find the right connection but also waited until the girl boarded the new train. With tearful gratitude, the young lady hugged Patty, knowing she would never forget her kindness.

Patty grew up in Petaluma, California, where her late great grandparents and grandparents built a legacy with Cavanagh lumber. The legacy continued to grow with her father elected as Petaluma's city councilman and appointed San Francisco Bridge Board Director. The Cavanagh name still holds value within the Petaluma community. Patty began her school career at St. Vincent's elementary school and graduated from Petaluma High School, Class of 1969.

She received her Associate of Arts degree from Santa Rosa JC and later attended Sonoma State University, though she never applied for the degree. Her career path was diverse, including roles such as making biscuits and cooking chicken at KFC, working in human resources at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, serving as an employment coordinator at Hearthsong, Liberty Staffing, and Sierra Solutions. She also worked as office staff at Rohnert Park Gymnastics. One of her most cherished career opportunities was serving as the event coordinator at Santa Rosa's Safari West wildlife preserve in Santa Rosa, CA.

Patty's greatest joys in life were her children. She took immense pride in Jennifer's life travels and accomplishments. She cheered enthusiastically for Paul during his little league games and tennis matches, and she reveled in Laura's gymnastics and cheerleading pursuits. She was all sports all the time. Patty always gave her all, whether it was lending a helping hand to fellow parents or supporting her children in their life passions.

Throughout the years, Patty pursued various interests and hobbies. She played on a softball team, participated in a bowling league, and enjoyed activities such as snow skiing, water skiing, and fishing for steelhead on the Russian River. Patty's adventurous spirit took her to 42 states, Italy, parts of Mexico, Jamaica and other islands in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, her travel dreams were cut short by the ravages of this terrible disease.

Patty was never one to shy away from new experiences or challenges. Together with her husband Donn, she built three dream homes. However, one of their most cherished adventures was their move to the wonderful city of Louisville, KY, which they affectionately referred to as "the promised land" and their retirement haven.

Patty is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Donn Michael Valladao, daughters, Jennifer Skaggs (Mark), Laura Valladao Fowler (Michael), son, Paul Donnell, grandchildren, Madelyn Manning, Jackson Skaggs, Tyler Skaggs, Shelton Skaggs, Liam Fowler, Finley Fowler, brother, John Cavanagh, III (Kim), nephew, Nicholas Cavanagh and niece, Michelle Sutton (Zach).

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (235 Juneau Drive Louisville, KY 40243).

Mass will be at 10:00 am on Friday, June 16, 2023 at St. Agnes Catholic Church (1920 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205) with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

The family requests that contributions in Patty's memory be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and/or The Lovemark Foundation a family friend public charity established to financially and emotionally support those dealing with brain cancer.

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