Patricia L. Plein

Patricia Plein, age 71, long time resident of Santa Barbara, died January 8, 2023.

Born as Waultraudt Maria Behrendt near Heidelberg, Germany on June 7, 1951 to German mother Eva Behrendt and an American father. She was adopted by Lauretta (Tompkins) Pray and Philip Pray along with a non biological brother.

She grew up in San Jose, California and was a 1969 graduate of Piedmont Hills High School. Prior to her retirement she worked for local California pharmacy Longs Drugs (Longs #102) in Santa Barbara, (later bought by CVS) for 40 years in various roles. She was well known and beloved by coworkers, and customers who often brought her homemade gifts.

Patty enjoyed fine food and visiting local bakeries and restaurants, asking questions about the menu, asking if she could keep the menu, asking other patrons about what they had ordered and sometimes changing her mind after she ordered.

Some of her passions included travel, watching cooking shows, and old movies on TCM, asking people what they ate while on vacation and of course laughing with friends.

She is survived by daughter Priya Plein of Arlington, MA and brother Phil Pray of Paso Robles, CA.

Special thank you to social worker Tracy Vannatta and the kind staff at Valle Verde in Santa Barbara where Patty spent the last few months of her life. Tracy’s support was above and beyond adding to Patty’s comfort.

Also a big thank you to Dr. Greg Newman, his expertise and bed side manner always helped encourage Patty throughout the past 14 years.

There will be a private memorial service on Saturday the 4th of February, 1pm at 334 N. Ontare Rd. Santa Barbara.

In lieu of flowers consider donating to Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara, where Patty received breast cancer treatment.