Patricia "Pat" Fiddes, a longtime Claremont resident, died on July 4, 2013 in Newberry Springs, California. She was 82. Pat was born on August 28, 1930 in Venice, California to Diceia and Raymond Perine, the eldest of two daughters. She was raised in Pasadena and attended South Pasadena High School, where she was known as a talented opera singer. While there, she met her future husband, William 'Bill' Fiddes (SPHS '47), a veteran who was finishing his senior year after having left school early to serve in the military during World War II.

After graduating in 1948, Pat attended Pasadena Junior College. She and Bill were married in 1950 and in 1953 their family moved to Claremont where they resided for over 50 years. While Bill worked as a plumber, Pat was a homemaker for many years. In 1970, she became a ceramics teacher for Claremont High School. She also taught evening classes with the Claremont Adult School. She painted many different styles over her life and enjoyed being able to share her painting skills with her students. She also lent her artistry to family holidays, providing festive decorations, huge Christmas trees and home-cooked meals topped off with delicious homemade pies.

Pat was very active with various interests and hobbies. She was a well-known tennis player among her friends. She loved opera and, in her free time, you could often find her enjoying a good theater production with one of her many friends. She also loved to travel and had the privilege of going to some amazing destinations including France, Mexico, Hawaii, and Japan.

Pat retired from teaching in 2001, shortly after losing her husband Bill. In 2004, she moved with her daughter to Newberry Springs, California where she lived out her remaining years.  Friends, family, and former students remember Pat as being full of life. She was known for her strong personality, her can-do attitude and her tell-it-how-it-is philosophy. She touched many people and will be greatly missed.  She is survived by her children, Scott Fiddes and Kathy Russell; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Claremont Courier, August 16, 2013