All the fun stuff!

Cheers to You Rosemary Rodden and Patty James!

It’s hard to write about the wonderful life of one inspiring woman without the input and memories of

another, so today I’m choosing to write about two lovely ladies who have lived in Central California their

whole lives and contributed back to each community from Fresno to Bass Lake along their way.

So Cheers to you Rosemary Rodden and Patty James!

Rosemary was born in the OLD Saint Agnes Hospital in downtown Fresno on August 22 nd , 1922.

She was one of ten children and the oldest of 4 girls. Each of the girls in Rosemary’s family had some

degree of post high school education. The boys in the family generally entered various trades with their

successes in life.

Rosemary went to Fresno Junior College and took secretarial courses, worked for a short time at a

doctors’ office and did something that totally surprised her family. She applied for, and received a

Gottchalks’ credit card! (unheard of at age 18) let alone a success for “a mere girl, but Rosemary had

already proven her good credit and sensibility even at that age! Most everything Rosemary worked at,

she did well.

Now, Patty tells the story of how her parents chanced to meet… It seems that poor Rosemary had been

bored silly up at Bass Lake for 1 full week with not “a male in sight!” It was one lousy vacation if you

were to ask her! So, on her last day there, she went swimming in the lake and went to Ducey’s to hear

what the music was all about, and there were all of these good looking service guys shipping off to India,

Burma and China the next day… and her mom (of course) looking like a drowned rat!

Needless to say, after a few dances and 2 years of great correspondence, Rosemary and Patty’s Dad

were married, the bad hair day was forgiven and Ducey’s became an important part of their family’s life.

Rosemary’s 30+ year dream job came when she went to work at Fresno State University in the Deans’

office. One of the biggest honors she had was putting together what is now known as the West Coast

Relay or the “Mini Olympics” with American track and field 8 th grade-college and even amateur events.

In 1981, following an amazing tenure with Fresno State University Rosemary was the first woman ever

to be inducted into the Track Hall of Fame @ Fresno State University. By putting together this event and

running it year after year, Rosemary created quite a reputation for her skill and event planning

excellence.

As what would be a natural “transition in life”, Rosemary, and now with the help of daughter (Patty),

moved into the family Bass Lake vacation home that had become so much a part of their family’s love of

life. Both ladies became anything but retired. They joined, Happy Hikers, Lady Elks, Mountain

Community Women and yes… even the Sierra Senior Center!!!

Football season never had bigger fans than these 2 ladies as I am sure every 49er touchdown was heard

from here to the appropriate football stadium.

Although Rosemary has been gone now for almost 1 year and to make it to 102 years old, she had

stories to offer the world. Rosemary had a special event to leave behind and to have made all of our

lives just a little bit richer… but most of all, we’re so lucky to have Patty who still gives (tirelessly) to the

Senior Center and carries that same “can do spirit” as her mother before her.

If you know of anyone who should be interviewed for this column, please contact Lori @ (559) 683-7650

Welcome to Sierra Senior Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of senior citizens in the Eastern Madera County area. Our mission is to organize and promote education, nutrition, health, and overall well-being for our cherished community of seniors.

We go beyond just fostering well-being; we strive to create bonds of friendship, goodwill, and mutual understanding among our members, extending these values to all seniors in the region. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to open communication and the sharing of experiences.

As active community contributors, we take a keen interest in the civic, cultural, and social welfare of our area. Sierra Senior Center serves as a platform for open discussions on matters of public interest, creating an inclusive space for voices to be heard.

Join us in our journey to build a thriving community where every senior citizen can flourish, connect, and enjoy the richness of life. Welcome to Sierra Senior Center – where every moment matters!