Patricia Lee Morgan

Patricia Lee Morgan (née Smith) passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025, in her home in San Juan Capistrano, California, surrounded by the family who adored and loved her deeply.

She was born on September 28, 1937, to Stella and William Foster Lee Smith at Rose Maternity Hospital in Los Angeles, California.
Patricia carried with her the values of hard work, dedication, and love for family throughout her life.

She is survived by her two children, Michael John and Valerie Jean; her daughter-in-law, Diana, her five grandchildren, Melody Christine, Melinda Lee, Daniel Mason, Kiana Maureen, Kalysta Leigh; and two great-grandchildren, August Morgan and Walter Morgan.

Patricia was the youngest of three siblings. She was preceded in death by her eldest sister Stella Lenor in 2016, who she maintained a close bond with throughout her life, and Kenneth Lee, who tragically passed away in a small plane crash in 1969. Though his life was cut short, his memory remained deeply woven into Patricia’s heart.

She inherited her strong work ethic from her father, beginning her working life at a young age by helping at his restaurant, totaling and delivering guest checks. Over the years, she worked as a hostess and later as a bookkeeper—a career that suited her meticulous attention to detail and sense of responsibility. Like her mother, she was always punctual and an exceptional record-keeper, skills that also made her a passionate genealogist.

Her stories of growing up in Southern California during a different era—when open spaces and horses were a part of everyday life—will be cherished by those who loved her. In the 1940’s she and her parents were part of a horse riding group known as The Vista Riders, and would enjoy long rides throughout the countryside of the Vista and Palomar areas. During her high school years she was a majorette and maintained her ability to twirl a baton until she was in her 50’s. Married at the tender age of 17, she became a young mother at 18, and a young grandmother at 45.

Patricia was also so thoughtful of her family and friends and made sure that she always sent a birthday card or an email and followed up with a phone call to celebrate their special day. She never needed a calendar to remind her whose it was. It was in her brain which was sharp until the end!

Patricia had a deep love for animals, big or small, but especially for cats, earning her the affectionate nickname “Grandma Cat” from her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching the birds in the birdbath on her patio and was constantly shooing the cats away from any lizards they might find and rescuing them from their clutches, if possible. She wouldn’t even let us kill spiders as she was “convinced” that they “brought us money “.

A devoted pinochle player, she was the founder and member of several card groups over the years, filling her calendar with games and friendships. She was a patient teacher of the game and shared her love of it with her children and grandchildren, ensuring that her passion for cards would be passed down through generations. She took as much joy in others winning a hand as she did in her own victories, always fair, kind, encouraging, and she could count everyone’s meld quicker than we could count our own!

Known as “the biggest worrier,” Patricia’s concern for others was simply an extension of her deep love. Whether it was, “Watch out for those crazy drivers!” or “Be careful!” her words were always a reminder of how much she cared.

She loved fiercely, and she was loved just as fiercely in return. In a testament to the strength of her heart, it continued beating even after she took her last breath. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her love, wisdom, and kindness will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

She will be terribly missed by so many.