Longtime San Mateo Resident Patricia Pepper Dies at 94

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Patricia Ann Todd Pepper, a longtime resident of San Mateo, California, passed away on February 28, 2026, at the age of 94. Born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Pepper lived a life of grace, wit, and service, working as an administrative assistant in the Kennedy administration and later as the Executive Director of the Performing Arts for Youth Society (PAYS) charity, bringing arts education to local schools.

Why it matters

Pepper's passing marks the end of an era for San Mateo's arts and culture community, as she was a beloved figure who dedicated decades to expanding access to the performing arts for local students. Her commitment to music, literature, and community service left a lasting impact on generations of residents.

The details

Pepper grew up in Kentucky, where her family owned a brickworks company. She went on to earn a history degree from the University of North Carolina and later worked in Washington, D.C. during the Kennedy administration. In 1962, she married Jack Pepper and they settled in San Mateo, where she became a fixture in the community, volunteering as PTA president, teaching piano lessons, and serving as the Executive Director of PAYS. Pepper was also an active member of the Congregational Church of San Mateo and a beloved book club member.

• Pepper passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026.
• A celebration of her life will be held on May 9, 2026 at the Congregational Church of San Mateo.

What’s next

A celebration of Pepper's life will be held on May 9, 2026 at the Congregational Church of San Mateo, where she was a longtime member.