July 19, 1936 - June 29, 2026
Cleopatra “Pat” M. Navarro, 89, of Stockton, California, passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 29, 2026. She was greeted at the gates of heaven by her husband Jesus and daughter Jessica (Jie).
Pat was born on July 19, 1936, in the Philippines to Jose and Marta Mercado. She was one of nine children, growing up alongside her siblings Apolinario, Bonifacio, Dante, Eduardo, Familo, Jose Jr., Manuel, and Fatima.
She attended Gregorio del Pilar Elementary School and Cayetano Arellano High School (Manila North). Pat went on to continue her education at the University of the East, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
After graduation, Pat worked at a travel agency with Auntie Lucing Dacanay. It was a job she truly loved, not only because it opened the door to travel, but it also gave her the opportunity to fly for free so she can shop in Hong Kong and Japan for Christmas presents.
Pat first met Jesus “Jess” Navarro when he was a helper around her family’s home. Little did she know that he would one day become her husband and the love of her life. When Jess joined the Navy at age 17, the two began dating. On November 24, 1960, they were married. Soon after, Pat and Jess immigrated to the United States to support his career in the Navy and begin building a life together.
With Jess often stationed aboard Naval ships, they spent long stretches of time apart, yet their love and commitment remained strong. He was her “Abay” and she was his “Ning.” Together, Pat and Jess built a beautiful family: Joseph John was born in San Francisco in 1965, Jessica Jean was born in Hawaii in 1966, Josephine Jill was born at Port Hueneme (Ventura County) in 1969, and Jae Jefferson was born in Stockton in 1970.
When Jess was eventually stationed in Stockton, the family lived briefly on Rough and Ready Island Naval Base before moving to a triplex on Hammer Lane. In 1972, they settled into their forever home on Falkirk Drive. Having a place to plant roots meant so much to Pat. She knew how difficult it had been for the children to move often and make lasting friendships. Pat told Jess they were buying a house in Stockton and if he wanted to come back, he would know where to find them.
When the children were young, Pat worked as a teacher’s aide at Marshall Middle School. Years later, she began her career as an Allstate agent under Mike Maduena. She eventually worked at the Rough and Ready Island Naval Exchange, where she remained until her retirement. In every role, Pat brought the same dedication, warmth, and strong work ethic she carried throughout her life.
Pat found joy in her hobbies and simple pleasures. Her children remember her as an accomplished home baker who filled their home with delicious empanadas, polvoron, cakes, and leche flan. Pat and Jess traveled throughout their lives with their children and later enjoyed even more adventures after retirement, including cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Mexico, as well as trips to the Philippines, the Holy Land, Europe, and Australia.
When they were not traveling the world, Pat and Jess enjoyed mall walking several days a week, always followed by a delicious lunch with friends. Much of Pat’s happiness came from sharing meals, conversation, and laughter with the people she loved. She enjoyed shopping, and Dillard’s was a longtime favorite. Pat loved staying “in the know” through chisme, often responding with her familiar “Oh really?” and “Wow!” She also had an immense love for jewelry, and no outfit ever felt complete without her wearing several of her beautiful pieces.
Pat was truly one of a kind. She had a heart of gold and was generous, caring, strong, and deeply devoted to her family. She was the center of her family’s world – their Queen. Pat taught those around her the value of faith, hard work, perseverance, and education. Her love was steady, her presence unforgettable, and her legacy will live on in the lives of everyone she touched.
Pat was a loving mother, known affectionately as Ma, and a cherished mother-in- law to her children and their spouses: Joseph and Andrea, Josephine “Jojie” and Daniel, and Jae and Jane. Her greatest joy and one of her proudest accomplishments was being the best Lola to her grandchildren Anecya and her husband James, Joshua, Sydnee, Kiana, Connor, Jessica, and Elijah, and Great-Lola to Benjamyn “Benny.” Pat is also survived by her brother, Eduardo Mercado. She will be lovingly remembered by her extended family and many friends, all of whom will deeply miss her.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to their Ma’s caregiver, Coco, and to Coco’s family, for their love, care, and devotion.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Monday, July 20th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
MASS
Mass will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 21st, 2026 at Saint Luke’s Catholic Church, located at 3847 N Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95204
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Navarro family.
