Patricia Ann Holbus

Patricia Ann Holbus, age 83, of Carmichael, California, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Patricia was born on April 13, 1943, in Racine, Wisconsin, to John and Gladys Muzenski. She grew up with three brothers and one sister.

At age 16, Patricia began dating Martin Holbus. They were high school sweethearts and married on September 4, 1965, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Racine.

Remembering a childhood journey to the Rose Bowl, Martin asked Patricia to join him on an adventure and move to California. They settled in Marysville, where their first child, Martin Holbus IV, was born. They later moved to Carmichael, where they would raise their family for the next 58 years.

Martin and Patricia were active members of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and School. All seven of their children and all fourteen grandkids attended elementary school at St. John’s.

Patricia co-founded the annual craft fair at St. John’s with her dear friend Carole Czimskey. The fundraiser grew into one of the largest community events in Carmichael, drawing thousands of people each year. Patricia ran every aspect of the craft fair for more than 48 years, dedicating herself year-round to its preparation and organization. As the largest fundraiser for St. John’s parish school, her tireless efforts helped make it possible for many children to attend the school she and her family loved so dearly.

Patricia was known for her strong faith, devotion to family and community, and remarkable determination. She was a founding member of the Carmichael Community Garden, where she loved tending flowers and vegetables. She took great pleasure in sharing her homegrown tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and pumpkins with the people she loved.

At the request of the Sisters of Tralee, Patricia founded the religious goods store at St. John’s. For decades, the store raised additional funds for her beloved parish school.

She loved the beach and led her large family on weeklong trips to Pajaro Dunes every year. She would cook enormous meals, read romance novels, tell stories, and laugh with her family. Once a week, she would join the kids for boogie boarding, screaming with delight as she caught a wave.

In later years, Patricia cared for many of her young grandchildren while their parents went to work. She loved raising her children and grandchildren, and her love, wisdom, and guidance will remain an indelible part of her legacy.

Patricia loved bringing people together. She hosted Sunday dinners in the backyard for her extended family, friends, neighbors, and parish priests. The Holbus home was the center of family and neighborhood life; a gathering place filled with food, laughter, stories, and love. For many of her grandchildren, it was a second home.

Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, John and Gladys; her brothers and sister, Rita, John, and Robert; and her son-in-law, Patrick. She is survived by her husband, Martin; her brother William; her seven children and their spouses, Martin, Christine, Amy and Eric, Erin and Gonzalo, Andrew and Brooke, John and Emily, and Daniel; and her fourteen grandchildren, Anthony, Martin Sean, Luke, Alexandra, Zachary, Nicholas, Jacob, Anna Patricia, Caroline, Sophia, Carmel, Thomas, Bridget, and David.

A private family burial has taken place. A rosary will take place at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial Mass at 10;30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Carmichael on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Flowers may be sent to the church, or donations may be made to the Patricia Ann Holbus Craft Fair Auction Fund at St. John the Evangelist School. To honor Patricia’s generous spirit, the family encourages everyone to give the gift of life by donating blood at their earliest opportunity.