Obituary of Patricia Marie Pretzer Conway Wright

Patricia Marie Pretzer Conway Wright Resident of Santa Cruz County June 1, 1947 - July 24, 2014 Patricia Wright passed away on Thursday, July 24th at her home in Aptos with her husband George by her side. A recent diagnosis of cancer won a short battle. Patty was born in Calway, CA to Phyllis "Bridgette" and Thomas "Bud" Pretzer, but moved with her family to Santa Cruz as an infant. She attended local schools and graduated from Soquel High in 1965. She had a short foray working in the insurance field, but early on found her niche in the hospitality business, serving and entertaining many in popular restaurants. Her first taste of waitressing began at Adolph's on Water Street and the Camarlinghis became lifelong friends and influences on her life. Loyal customers followed her for decades to experience her charm, wit, and sharp reparte'. At the time of her passing she was a longtime favorite server at the Silver Spur, maintaining decorous hilarity at the counter. As a student of human nature she knew people and how to manage and charm even the most irascible. She married Jim Conway in 1985 and enjoyed a life that included camping and gardening, homemaking in Felton. They divorced amicably in 1996. Her interests were many, including travel, which she enjoyed with her lifelong friend Mary Bertuccelli and with husband and partner, George. She was able to visit Canada, Europe, Mexico and Hawaii to name a few. She loved the out of doors and was very at ease in the parks and beaches of her beloved Santa Cruz County. And she loved to learn, always keeping abreast of politics especially, something she shared with her late mother as they tracked the travails of people in the national spotlight and the follies that ensued. They had some laughs together as Patty kept watch on her mother and a hand in her care until her passing in 2002. Baseball and football she understood and followed, especially the Giants and 49ers, watching many a game with brother Tom who shared her irreverent Pretzer brand of humor. Patty was extremely talented, but always self-effacing. She would never allow praise for her accomplishments. She laughed about playing the accordion when she was young, but she did have musical talent. She enjoyed many a concert and the richness of talent that Santa Cruz fosters. She could and did write with a flair, taking classes at Cabrillo, writing stories, poetry and doing some editing as well. She wanted to write her own obituary but got too sick to accomplish the task. It would have been great, because she was great. Personal improvement was always a goal with Patty. She was a firm believer in the tenets of her Al Anon group, and made many friends there. She especially missed first her friend Ted, and then her sponsor Faye when they passed. Fierce as she was about personal responsibility, she would always listen to a tale of woe with compassion. All she asked is that you try. Patty is survived by her loving husband and best friend, George Wright; brother Tom Pretzer of Santa Cruz, sister Nancy Bowles (Dennis) of Pinetop, Arizona; nieces Kelly and Katie Pretzer who were able to witness and facilitate her recent marriage to longtime partner George. So many friends she leaves behind. A Celebration of Life will be held for Patty Sunday, September 7, 2014 from 2 to 5 PM at Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Village Park, Aptos, California. Donations in Patty's honor preferred to Jacob's Heart Association, 2007 Freedom Blvd, Freedom, California 95019 or to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, Ca 94304