Patricia Blake Fierro ’67 was born Nov. 8, 1934, in Santa Clara to Frank J. and Alice Roscoe Blake. Her father, a graduate of Harvard Law School, practiced law in San Francisco. He later joined his brother, Leslie, as co-publisher of the Santa Clara Journal. As the youngest of five siblings, “Patty” was the beloved baby of the family. Brothers Robert, Frank, and Tommy and sister Mary Alice preceded her in death. Patricia married Arthur Fierro in San Jose in 1953. They had three children: John, Carole, and Scott. Later, she and Art would divorce. While raising her three children, she graduated from SCU. Patty began working for Santa Clara County in 1968 as an accountant for the County Parks and Recreation Department. In the early 70s, she transferred to Valley Medical Center, where she served as assistant personnel officer and employee relations representative. She was appointed deputy county executive for employee relations in 1980 at the age of 46. Her promotion made her one of the highest-ranking women in county government. In 1987, she was named Woman of Achievement in Government and Politics in Santa Clara. That same year, she attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.

Pat retired in October 1992 after 24 years of service to Santa Clara County and the State of California. She left her career in public service well-respected and distinguished. She moved to Bigfork, Montana, to be close to her family. Patty loved her life in Montana and rarely missed one of the grandkid’s football, basketball, volleyball, or tennis games. She was well known and adored as “Grandma Pat” by almost everyone who knew her. She valued education and was a member of the Bigfork School Board from 1997 to 2006. She also loved golf, watching the latest television series and movies, was an avid reader, and loved politics. On June 13, Patty passed away at her home in Bigfork. She leaves with each of us her unconditional love, value of family, generosity, kindness, and wisdom, which will be carried on for generations to come. Surviving Pat are her son, John Fierro and wife Stacey of Sacramento, daughter Carole and husband Larry Hill of Bigfork, and son Scott Fierro and wife Doe of Bigfork; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.