#United States #La Cañada Flintridge #Dominican Sisters #Flintridge Sacred Heart #Patricia Traviss

A Legacy of Generosity: Patricia Traviss' Transformational Gift

As the new year unfolds, the Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy (FSHA) and the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose are filled with gratitude for a staggering $1.6 million bequest from the estate of Patricia Jean Traviss, an alumna from the Class of 1949. This generous contribution represents not only a financial boost but also a profound reaffirmation of the values taught at this esteemed institution.

For Patricia Traviss, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy was not merely an educational institution; it was a nurturing ground for the principles of faith and service that would guide her throughout her life. FSHA has been a cornerstone for many students, but for Traviss, it was akin to a spiritual home, instilling in her a lifelong commitment to uplifting others.

Marlena Conroy, the president of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, expressed that Traviss' extraordinary act of generosity encapsulates a lifetime devoted to service and dignity. Conroy remarked, _"Her remarkable generosity reflects a lifetime devoted to service and dignity, shaped by her own vocation in healthcare and her deep connection to the Sisters who formed her."_

Traviss, who dedicated her career to healthcare, notably served as a former Director of Rockhaven Sanitarium in Glendale, California. Her life’s mantra was centered around the idea that true care extends to being present during vulnerable moments, offering love and support to those in need. _“To truly care for someone is to be there for them when they are in their most vulnerable state. Give them unconditional love so that they may soar with the angels,”_ she often said. This philosophy guided her both professionally and personally, prompting her to consistently surprise the Sisters with thoughtful gifts throughout the years.

During her lifetime, Traviss was already a loyal supporter of FSHA, helping to advance the academy's mission of nurturing young women of faith, integrity, and truth. Approximately half of her recent donation will directly benefit FSHA, while the other half will enrich the ministries of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. Sister Celeste Marie Botello, O.P., the congregational prioress for the Sisters, remarked on Traviss' legacy by saying, _“Her generosity reflects a life rooted in prayer, service, and a belief in the dignity of every person. Through her legacy, the mission entrusted to us will continue to flourish.”_

This significant gift serves as an inspiring reminder that planned giving is an act of faith, a means of extending one’s values beyond their lifetime, and ensuring that future generations can access education imbued with compassion and love.

About Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is an independent, Catholic, Dominican, all-girls college-preparatory school situated in La Cañada Flintridge, a suburb of Los Angeles. The school is dedicated to educating young women for a life characterized by faith, integrity, and truth.

About the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose represent a community of Catholic women devoted to living the Gospel through contemplation, preaching, and service, following St. Dominic’s charism. With a rich history exceeding a century, they fulfill their mission through various ministries including education, healthcare, spiritual direction, and social justice, mainly within California’s communities. Their lives of prayer and action emphasize proclaiming the Word of God, promoting justice, truth, and compassion.