A memorial was held for Patricia “Pat” Rebele on Feb. 7 at St. John the Baptist Church in Aptos. Known for her philanthropy, advocacy for the arts, the homeless and other causes, Rebele died Dec. 15 at age 97.
Her passing was not widely reported like her husband, Rowland “Reb” Rebele, who died in 2023, but together they were integral to many community philanthropic efforts.
A lifelong advocate for the arts, education, social services, and those most in need, Pat Rebele helped the residents of Santa Cruz County for decades.
She and her husband Reb shared nearly 70 years of marriage. Together, they were among Santa Cruz’s most influential philanthropists, quietly supporting hundreds of organizations and causes.
“Pat’s presence warmed any room with her sparking eyes, curious mind and gracious spirit. She always offered her kindness, and she will be missed in the community that she helped make better for all,” said Susan True, CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.
A graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, Pat earned her bachelor’s degree in art history as a re-entry student, an achievement that reflected her lifelong love of learning and the arts. She served on numerous boards, including the UCSC Foundation Board, the Santa Cruz County Museum of Art & History, and organizations supporting victims of domestic violence and homelessness.
The Rebeles were fixtures at concerts, recitals, and fundraising events, according to the Santa Cruz Symphony. They were benevolent season, concert, and musician sponsors, as well as supporters of the Symphony Endowment.
“We will deeply miss their presence in our lives and in the Symphony community,” said Deborah Bronstein, board president of the Santa Cruz Symphony.
Pat Rebele leaves behind her beloved children Marianne, Andy, and Chris, daughter-in-law Jeanne, and grandchildren Lily, Jessica, Chantou, Pidor, and Elodie. Her son Andy Rebele described her parenthood as calm, consistent and reassuring during the memorial.
“No matter what volatility was around us, she was always a constant,” he said.
Pat and Rowland’s philanthropy touched nearly every corner of the community. Their support strengthened higher education, journalism, music, theater, marine science, and the visual arts. At UC Santa Cruz, their generosity helped establish endowed chairs, launch the Institute of the Arts and Sciences, and sustain programs ranging from Shakespeare Santa Cruz to the Arboretum and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center.
Beyond the university, they were steadfast supporters of homeless services, youth programs, and social justice initiatives. Among their most enduring contributions was the Rebele Family Shelter, built in their name to provide safety, dignity, and hope to families experiencing homelessness—a reflection of Pat’s deep belief in compassion paired with action.
In 2009, Pat and Rowland were honored with the UC Santa Cruz Fiat Lux Award in recognition of their extraordinary service and commitment to education, the arts, and social responsibility.
TOP PHOTO: Rowland and Pat Rebele