Patricia Norma “Pat” Mayer

05/13/1930 - 03/27/2024

After a wonderful and fulfilling life, Pat Mayer passed away on March 27th. Pat was born on May 13, 1930 at St. Luke’s Hospital in San Francisco. Her parents were Patrina Misuraca Bonelli who was born in New York after her parents immigrated from Sicily, and Leo Bonelli, born in San Francisco after his parents immigrated from Lucca, Italy. She had a younger brother, Leo, who predeceased her. Her parents lived in North Beach and moved to Mission Terrace where they were surrounded by eight aunts and uncles, all living within a few blocks of each other. Mission Terrace was called the suburbs back then and was a friendly neighborhood where everyone knew one another. It was an era in the city where tight knit neighborhoods often included extended families and Pat’s mother’s family was no exception.

She attended Corpus Christi School which is the same school that all her kids eventually attended. She was a fantastic artist and while in school ran the parish paper. She attended St. Vincent High School on Nob Hill which is the current site of St Mary’s cathedral. In high school, she took several business courses and spent her free time going to dances, riding the street cars and having fun at parties with her group of friends.

When she was 16, Pat met the love of her life, Dave Mayer, at a party. They were married at 19 and spent the next 68 years holding hands. People talk of a “love story” — Pat and Dave lived it every day. Pat and Dave’s marriage served as an example of a loving couple for generations to come.

Dave and Pat had four children; three boys and a girl, and the Mayer family was complete. Pat emerged as a confident mother who instilled values in her children, including the value of a dollar. She also stood up for what she believed in, whether it was defending her children against strict school nuns or making sure they did not attend R-rated movies by plucking them out of the theater. Pat was also highly organized, and her sense of discipline and order kept the family running smoothly. There was a 5 x 7 index card taped near the phone that had everyone’s name on it, the time they had to bathe, what chores they were assigned, who had first choice on the TV and what time they had to go to bed.

Friends thought it was a bit odd, but everyone knew what to do and when.

Pat’s favorite times were family events, hosting dinner parties (including the gourmet group), sewing and of course shopping. When she was not shopping, she went shopping. She and Dave enjoyed lifelong friendships and travel through the Police Credit Union. During her life, Pat found joy in artistic endeavors including oil painting and watercolor.

One goal that her daughter, Mary helped Pat realize was her dream to travel to Israel. In 2018, the two of them embarked on the journey together. Traveling to the Holy land was one of the highlights of her lifelong faith.

Pat’s children and their spouses, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her main joy in life. She is survived by her children, Mike (Sally), Steve (Patty), Tim (Carol) and Mary (Marty) Leahy; and grandchildren, David Mayer, Rosemary (Greg) Hintz and Stephen (Andrea) Mayer, Dylan, Kenzie and Nicola Mayer, Emily (Alex) Mendez, Charlie Mayer (deceased), Tom (Carolina), Sam (Daisy), and Allison Leahy; and greatgrandma to Griffin, Cooper, Mason and Madison Mayer, Christopher and Katie Hintz, and Francesca and Penelope Mendez.

Pat will be remembered as a lady with a sharp memory and wisdom who spoke her mind without reservation. She was truly one of a kind. While she is now reunited with her husband, Dave in Heaven, her spirit will remain with us forever. We love you.

Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass, Friday, April 19th at 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Dr., Burlingame. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Capuchin Franciscan Friars, 1345 Cortez Ave., Burlingame, Calif. 94010.