Patricia Craig May 20, 1932 - May 8, 2026

Patricia “Pat” Craig

1932 ~ 2026

Patricia “Pat” Craig, a longtime resident of Hilmar, passed away in hospice on May 8, 2026. She suffered a stroke while recovering from a broken hip.

She was 93 years young.

Pat was born and raised in Illinois, one of three daughters to Edward and Elsie Jacoby. In grade school and high school, she was often confused with Letitia “Tish,” her identical twin sister and best friend. While growing up, the twins often worked in their father’s blacksmith shop, running the forge blower.

A few years after graduating from high school, Pat left Illinois and moved to California to marry Glenn Craig. They were married for 64 years, ending upon his death. They had three children.

While they were living in Livermore, Pat worked at the Vallecitos Atomic Power Plant as an executive secretary to physicists. They moved to Hilmar where she sometimes worked outside the home driving sileage truck or sorting walnuts for local farmers.

Pat attended Hilmar High School (HHS) boys’ basketball for many, many seasons, home and away games, even after her children had graduated from high school. In recognition of her dedication, the 1986 team deemed her a homecoming basketball mom and gifted her a HHS jacket. She often wore it to subsequent games and it remained in her wardrobe. At one game, she competed in a contest on the court, throwing a free throw and making the basket which stunned the crowd, especially her husband. The crowd gave her a standing ovation. Pat enjoyed NBA basketball as well, going to Sacramento to see her favorite team, the Boston Celtics, beat the Kings.

Pat’s hobbies included sewing, knitting, and embroidery and she created many beautiful quilts, wall hangings, and blankets, as well as some of her own clothes. She also loved playing the piano as well as playing duplicate bridge, and was an avid reader. All her life, Pat spent a lot of time in the kitchen, canning fruits and vegetables (was famous for her pomegranate jelly), experimenting with new recipes, and preparing homemade pies.

Pat was not only hardworking in the home but also in volunteering at area churches she attended over her lifetime. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Bible Study. She assisted in the Swedish Smorgasbord and lunches at the Hilmar Covenant church. She also lent a hand at the Thrift and Gift store in Turlock.

Pat loved square dancing and traveling on the train or in the 5th wheeler across the country. She also enjoyed participating in Red Hat functions.

Pat and Tish attended many International Twins Association conventions held across the U.S. and Canada, winning “most alike” in their age group on occasion.

Later in life, Pat liked playing bingo and scratch-offs, and figuring out crossword puzzles. Every month, she wrote about 20 cards and/or letters to friends, relatives, and church family members, remembering and/or celebrating someone’s birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion.

All who knew Pat will miss her positive attitude, outgoing nature, kind and loving demeanor, wonderful sense of humor, and infectious laugh. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader.

Pat is survived by her two children, Gordon and Colleen, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son James, sisters Letitia and Audrey, and a nephew.

Per Pat’s instructions, no services were held. Any remembrances may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, Hilmar High School boys’ basketball program, or your favorite charity. Arrangements were under the direction of Allen Mortuary of Turlock.