Here is a quote from the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society
PATRICIA MAE STANFORD - widely known as "Dr. Pat" - died on October 22. She was a long time member of the SSVMS Historical Committee, and a devoted contributor to the Museum of Medical History since its inception in 2001. Among her survivors is her husband, Roy S. Stanford, MD.
She was not only an RN, but also held bachelor's and master's degrees, and a PhD in nursing education from Columbia University. She was an operating room surgical nurse at Sutter General Hospital for 28 years. After retiring in 1989, she traced her family history - her ancestors were on the Mayflower - and later lectured widely on history.
She was raised in Hawaii and held memberships in the Hawaii State Mayflower Society, The Daughters of Hawaii and the Hawaiian Historical Society. She was also Regent of California for Daughters of the American Revolution and Governor of the California Society of Mayflower Descendants.
"Dr. Pat will be deeply missed, from greeting visitors to the museum with her constant smile to her many contributions to our Historical Committee and Museum," said Dr. Robert LaPerriere, the museum curator. "She was always a giving, thoughtful and delightful person and a true and devoted friend to all of us.