Tuolumne, CA — The Summerville Elementary School Governing Board recently received a $150,000 gift from the estate of Patricia “Pat” Jane Gurney and her family. The generous gift will bolster the district’s expanding instrumental band program and enhance the school’s overall performing arts offerings.
Gurney passed away in March at the age of 75. Her obituary on myMotherLode.com notes that her family goes back generations in Tuolumne County and was involved in mining, railroads, and lumber.
Early in her career, Pat was involved in the San Francisco theatre world as an artist at the American Conservatory Theater and the Pacific Conservatory. A fond memory was working with John Lithgow in “Same Time, Next Year.”
She later taught drama, art, and English at Downey, Sonora, and Summerville high schools, and at Waterford Middle School, for over 15 years. In retirement, she helped serve as the Tuolumne City Museum Manager of Collections and on the Board. Her expertise and dedication to Tuolumne showed in the many displays and collections she curated and cataloged.
“This contribution to our school is nothing short of amazing,” shared Board Member Rachel Bell, who has served on the Summerville Elementary Governing Board for over 20 years. Bell recounted, “I remember being very young and listening to a long-time ensemble made of mothers and grandmothers from Tuolumne. Mrs. Gurney was so happy and proud to play with others. Her connection to music and the community was wonderful. This gift for our school will be a huge element of support as we work to inspire the next generation of performers and musicians in Tuolumne. It is exciting!”
The school’s band program, led by Director Ryan Roger, restarted during the 2023-24 school year and has been growing steadily. It has a membership of over 150 students this current academic year.
Summerville has been utilizing various discretionary funds to re-establish and grow the program during the early rebuild, and the gift from Gurney’s estate will help establish a solid, permanent foundation of financial support. The school notes that it will help with long-term sustainability, instrument availability, sheet music acquisitions, and expanded initiatives.
