LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Patricia Dye-Howell, was born Sept. 25, 1947 in Michigan to her loving parents John and Pat Dye.

Patty, as she was affectionately called by friends and family, passed away on March 27, 2025, after bravely facing down several daunting health issues over the years.

Her will to live was very strong, a reflection of her tenacious soul.

Patty spent a few years of her childhood in Connecticut before her parents moved to Southern California. Patty grew up on the beach and graduated from Newport Beach High School. As an adult she moved to the beach in Oxnard, California, where she would make many lifelong friends.

Patty was a spirited, adventurous woman who was an avid sailor along with her husband of 34 years, James (Jim) Howell. Both were active in the Anacapa Yacht Club in Oxnard, California, for many years, sailing in weekly races and preparing delicious feasts for the many events hosted by the club.

A love of sailing brought Patty and Jimmy together. Patty and Jimmy were introduced by Patty’s brother John and sister-in-law Debbie, who were a part of Jim’s longtime sailing group. It was one particularly beautiful summer day while out sailing on a friend’s 70-foot schooner that they caught each other’s eye. The rest was history.

Patty was a talented cosmetologist. She worked for many years in salons in Newport Beach and Oxnard, California. Patty was ready to shift gears when a client suggested that Patty would make an excellent para educator.

Patty pursued her second career and worked as a para educator for over 20 years with at-risk teenagers in both Oxnard, California and at W.C. Carle Continuation High School in Lower Lake, California. Patty was loved by her students and colleagues. She cared deeply for her students and was always there to lend a loving ear and wise guidance.

Patty and Jim did not have children but they did have a beloved fur baby. One day Jim came home with a rescue dog that appeared to be a purebred chocolate Labrador Retriever. It was love at first sight. Patty named the dog Bosco, after the old chocolate drink. Bosco was their beloved “son” for 14 years. Bosco had a loving effect on everyone and brought Patty a lot of comfort and joy.

Patty loved her home overlooking Clear Lake. Happy to escape the hustle and bustle of southern California she never tired of the beautiful views from her home and the ever present hummingbirds.

Patty had many interests. She was a voracious reader and she loved to travel, especially on cruise ships. She also loved live music and enjoyed many concerts throughout her lifetime.

Patty will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Patty is survived by her husband, James Howell; her brother, John Dye and sister-in-law Debbie Dye of Oxnard, California; and her beloved Aunt Cheri.