Patricia Lee Reynolds

Patricia Lee Reynolds, affectionately known as "Pat," peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024, lovingly surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A Rosary vigil service will be held on Wednesday, July 24, at 4 p.m. at Reis Family Mortuary in San Luis Obispo. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, at Old Mission Catholic Church in San Luis Obispo. Born to Genevieve and Earl Smith in Salinas on October 17, 1939, Pat's early life was marked by both tragedy and resilience. Her father, Earl, was killed during the Bataan Death March in the Philippines while serving in the Army National Guard. Following this loss, Genevieve relocated from Salinas to San Luis Obispo (SLO) to be closer to family, where she met and married Ernest Groso. Together, they raised Pat and her younger brother, Larry, in SLO. As a young girl, Pat lived on the Giumini Ranch off Buckley Road with her aunts, uncles and cousins, while her stepfather, Ernest, served in World War II. In 1956, Pat married John Silva. The couple raised three daughters: Denise, Lisa, and Genine. Together, they also built Laguna Wind Boarding Stables, where Pat became an avid equestrian, competing in dressage and cross-country jumping events. She also developed her talents as an artist and pianist. Raising three daughters, Pat honed her seamstress skills, sewing dresses for countless dances. Her daughters recall spending many hours at the Sinsheimer Building in downtown SLO, pouring over pattern books and fabrics, challenging their mother's skills. As a self-taught chef, her culinary expertise ranged from farm-to-table meals to extravagant dinner parties. If you were lucky enough to be a guest, you were treated to no less than a four-course dinner ending with a spectacular dessert creation. Her home was the epicenter for all family and friends' birthdays, holidays, and celebrations, reflecting her generosity and love for gatherings. In 1981, Pat married Robert Reynolds. During Robert's tenure in the Art Department at Cal Poly, Pat coordinated over 30 years of watercolor workshops in Big Bear, Kirkwood, Cambria, and other local locations. Together, they participated in several spring quarters in the Cal Poly London Study Abroad program, teaching classes at the American University of London and chaperoning Cal Poly students. During these overseas adventures, Pat met Pamela Harriman, former U.S. ambassador to France, and Sir John Major, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She toured the museums and galleries of London extensively and hosted her daughters and friends, providing them with an enriched and knowledgeable guide to the culture and cuisine of London. One of her favorite memories from her London days was horseback riding in Hyde Park. Family, faith, and traditions were everything to Pat. She insisted that her girls have a catholic education by attending Nativity and Mission schools until high school. She was a Girl Scout Leader, led Catechism classes for Old Mission Church, and served the People's Kitchen with the Cal Poly Faculty Alumni group. Pat studied music with Dr. Botso Korisheli for over 25 years. Her love of classical music and fine arts extended to her skills as a prolific gardener, creating beautiful spaces that reflected her artistic touch. She leaves behind a legacy of love, elegance, and dedication to her family and community. Pat is survived by her husband, Robert Reynolds; daughters Denise Silva Topham (Bart), Lisa Henry (Dave), and Genine Silva Phillips (Larry); grandchildren Jake Carey (Jenny), Natalie Carey, Genevieve Bishop (Chris), and Sierra Phillips; and great-grandchildren John Carey, Jenine Carey, Georgiana Bishop, Lausten Bishop, Lyle Bishop, and Adeline Grace Forrest. Contributions in Pat's memory may be made to The People's Kitchen of San Luis Obispo.

Patricia Lee Reynolds

October 17, 1939 - July 6, 2024