Patricia D. Struve-Michielssen, 88, passed away peacefully, Friday November 17, 2017 at her home. She was born in Watsonville on May 26, 1929 to Hans and Adele Struve. She grew up in Moss Landing at what’s considered her heritage, The Fog Ranch that her grandfather built in 1915.
Patricia is survived by her children Adele Miriam “Mimi” Woolem (Dennis Woolem) and Hans “Chris” Michielssen. She had 2 granddaughters; Whitney and Madison Michielssen, a grand-dog named Thor, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Albert C. Michielssen; siblings, Miriam Brown Cole, Alice Jones, and Robert Struve.
Patricia loved horseback riding and was a very talented pen and ink artist. Her work was displayed in many technique galleries throughout the southwest. She was involved with various organizations including; The Santa Cruz County Horse Show Committee (20 years), the Pajaro Valley Artists Committee (many years), and the American Shetland Pony Association, where she raised many champions. “Wild” Bill, a wild mustang, was her favorite horse. Together, they helped others learn how to ride. She was considered a rifle-woman who could hit a deer at 350 yards and was one of the very few women allowed to castrate bulls into steers. Patricia was fun to travel with and always had true life adventures.
The family requests donations to be made to the Agricultural History Project, P.O. Box 1181, Watsonville, CA 95077. Private services have been rendered and Mehl’s Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.
