Patricia Brockmann

Patricia ‘Pat’ June Pedersen Brockmann, 92, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on 14 June 2022 after a fierce battle with Dementia.

Pat was born 23 July 1929 in Coalinga California. She was the second child and only daughter of Francis Hoirup Pedersen and Lauretta Berdina Harding.

Her loves as a child were her family, pets and ballet. Her dream of becoming a ballerina was not meant to be when she grew into a 5’9” statuesque beauty.  However, this tall beauty did grace the Queen’s Court as a Princess in the 1947 Coalinga Horned Toad Parade.

She graduated from Coalinga Union High School in 1947 and moved to San Francisco where she attended Lux College. In return for room and board Pat cooked and kept house for a retired school teacher, one of several who lived in a retirement community on Nob Hill.

Upon graduating in 1950, Pat enlisted as a WAVE in the U.S. Navy.  She served as a Dental Technician 2nd Class until her future hubby flew in, swept her off her feet and into the sky-literally! She married her dashing Naval Aviator Lt. Victor Dowling Brockmann 14 December l953.

After a quick Honeymoon trip to New Orleans on their way to his next duty station, they set up housekeeping on Brigantine Island, New Jersey just before he left for sea duty-a regular occurrence for the next 20 years. That was the first of 9 moves usually coast to coast because there is not much water in between for a carrier pilot.

During those year Pat settled into making a home and raising their 4 adorable babies, Laurie Harding born in Philadelphia Pa., Erich Neilsen born in Ft. Ord, Ca., Paul Herbert born in Pensacola Fl. and Kurt Pedersen, Made in Japan!

Vic and Pat chose Albuquerque New Mexico as the place they wanted to retire after having been stationed there during the early 60’s and fallen in love with the desert southwest.  So in 1970 they did just that and remained for the rest of their lives. However, after so many years of moving around she was not ready to totally stop traveling and they spent the next  25 years traveling all over the US and Europe with a few cruises thrown in.

Pat had a strong sense of commitment to service and volunteering. As a Navy wife she served with the Officer Wives Club and the Red Cross. The latter one being most important as she was volunteering in the wards with the wounded soldiers returning home from Vietnam.  She always remembered those who helped her brother who was severely wounded during WWII and wanted to help others in return.

As a Mother of 4 she volunteered with several PTA’s, served as both a Boy Scout and Girl Scout Leader and was involved with the Sunday school programs at her church.

As a daughter she cared for her Mother for many years before her passing and did the same for her husband of 53 years.

As a member of her church, St. Marks on the Mesa, one of her greatest acts of service came in the form of her beloved Celebrities.  First, she volunteered with the group, then she served as their leader for many years; and, when it was time, she became a Celebrity herself.

Having fun was part of Pat’s life too. She was known for her wicked sense of humor and it was one of the best things she passed down to her kids………just ask them! Since we all grew up with Mom and her sayings none of us thought it was unusual till we struck out on our own.  Sayings like ‘They are going to haul me off to’ the hoosegow’ or ‘I don’t know him from Adam’s housecat’ were sometimes met with puzzled looks.

Besides her darling children (see what I mean?) grandkids and great grandkids she loved reading.  She could sit on the couch with the TV blaring and still concentrate.  She loved Bridge and played in many clubs and groups over the years.  It was actually Vic who taught her to play when they were dating. She enjoyed her frozen Grasshopper cocktails, Champale,  and Pepsi. She loved her kitties and so wanted them to be “lap cats”…….sadly, few were.

Mom is survived by her Darling Children

Laurie (Joseph) Laurella, Erich (Tina) Brockmann, Paul (Debbie)Brockmann, Kurt Brockmann

Her Adorable Grandkids

Sean(JoAnn) Papworth, Josiah Laurella, Reva Laurella, Cassandra Brockmann, Danielle Brockmann, Shane Brockmann, Liberty Brockmann

And her Exceptional Great Grand Kids

Alexander, Brendan, Karston, Elaina, Jackson, Blake, Tobias and Rion.

Proceeded in death by Her Husband Victor Dowling Brockmann, Brother Francis ‘Frank’ ‘Pete’ Pedersen and Granddaughter Mariah Victoria Laurella.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Disabled American Veterans.