Patricia Jean Novotny, 73, passed away on Aug. 4, 2023, after suffering a stroke at her home in Noyo Harbor, California.

Pat was born on Sept. 6, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Stella and Frank Novotny.

She attended Collinwood High School where she was instrumental in welcoming the African American students who were integrating her high school.

After graduation, demonstrating her independent spirit, she traveled through Europe by herself and returned to attend Ohio University where she earned a degree in English.

After teaching three years in Connecticut, she and her life partner Terry Casey, made the decision to move to California where they fulfilled their dream of starting a landscaping business.

They opened Highland Nursery and Landscaping in Clearlake where they happily remained until their retirement. Sadly Terry passed soon after. They had been together for 40 years.

Pat survived the 2015 Valley Fire but lost her house and all her belongings where she lived in Hidden Valley Lake. She was able to escape the fire and stayed with a dear friend until she made the decision to spend winters in Florida and summers in California. In both areas she lived near the water, enjoyed the wildlife and took long walks in the natural environment she loved.

Pat’s two passions were birding and traveling, two activities she often combined. She traveled to Europe, Mexico, Madagascar, Costa Rica, Canada and throughout the United States. She shared many of these trips with friends who meant so much to her.

Pat was a great friend and companion. She was full of laughter, keen insight and a sense of adventure that made these trips memorable.

Pat is survived by her brother, Bill (Gail); two nephews; and their four children. They include David (Kerry) and their sons Benjamin and William, and Matthew and his daughter Petra and son Nicholas.

We will miss her dearly.