Our Phenomenal Sister Patty

By Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis–

It’s hard for us to use the past tense when describing our phenomenal sister and sister-in-law Patty Gaffney. But slightly less than two years ago, Patty was diagnosed with aggressive metastatic breast cancer completely out of the blue. And in July, she passed away at age 48–yet another life tragically cut short by the disease.

Patty, along with her little brother and big sister, were the children of Stuart’s dad’s second marriage. We very fondly remember all the fun we had playing with them as small children on trips to their home in Southern California when we were in our 20s. One time when John was nearby for work, he accompanied Patty and her mom to the school science fair. When they came upon Patty’s project, they were delighted to see it had won a blue ribbon. Of course, we were proud of Patty’s achievement, but also a bit surprised because we had no idea about Patty’s interest and aptitude in science. It turned out the blue ribbon was a harbinger of much bigger things to come.

Patty went on to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and master’s degree in preventive medicine from UC Davis, one of the top veterinary schools in the country. We’ll never forget Patty’s first publication as a student–the subject was rhino poop! She then completed a Ph.D. in integrative pathobiology from Davis and her Diplomate as a specialist in anatomic pathology.

Patty always considered her degrees and expertise as a means to do good in the world and devoted her immense intellect to disease prevention in endangered species and other wildlife. An early project with colleagues was pathbreaking efforts to protect the endangered Channel Island fox–collective work that resulted in the four species of these foxes no longer being endangered as of 2016.

Patty eventually got her dream job–Director of Disease Investigations at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. In that position, she was a leader in detection, and thereby prevention and treatment, of disease not only at the Zoo but also at the institution’s numerous collaborative wildlife projects around the world. Her work took her around the U.S., as well as overseas to places such as Africa, China, and Pakistan. Dr. Stephen Chege, a Kenyan-based colleague and mentee, with whom Patty worked closely in efforts to save the critically endangered Hirola antelope, put it succinctly that Patty’s life’s work was to help “end disease-induced extinction of endangered species.”

The population of Hirola antelope has declined 95% over the last four decades, down to less than 500 today, according to the Hirola Conservation Program. Chege described how “Patty was deeply passionate about Hirola conservation and devoted herself tirelessly to protecting this remarkable species from extinction.” Despite the fact that Hirolas’ natural habitat is in areas of northeast Kenya and neighboring Somalia subject to terrorism, civil unrest, and other violence, Patty’s “commitment never wavered,” he explained.

Emblematic of that commitment was a particular trip she made in which Chege described “she flew into Ishaqbini, the heart of Hirola territory, during heavy rains. The roads from the airstrip to the Hirola sanctuary headquarters were flooded and impassable. Anyone else would have turned back—but not Patty. Her determination was unmatched. She waded through the waters to reach the sanctuary” to pursue their work. It was “inspirational and unforgettable,” and Patty’s “contribution to Hirola conservation will be remembered for generations,” he said.

Dr. Nadine Lamberski, Chief Conservation and Wildlife Health Officer of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, echoed these impressions of Patty, describing her as “professional, curious, tenacious, strong, and fearless,” in addition to being “a fabulous pathologist, diagnostician, scientist, teacher, mentor, and leader.” And at the same time, she lauded Patty as being “beautiful, funny, and kind.”

She summed up Patty perfectly. Patty was remarkable for how warm, caring, personable, and fun-loving she was, in addition to being a first-rate scientist who Lamberski said made “us all better (and smarter).” Indeed, we recall that Patty was both her high school class valedictorian and senior prom queen. Chege described how Patty “always looked after” him on professional visits to San Diego, surprising him one morning with a cup of African mixed tea she brewed herself. And Patty’s colleagues were enormously generous and helpful to her as her disease progressed. In hearing stories and seeing photos, we marveled at how much fun they seemed to have together even as they navigated the formidable challenges they had as scientists working to save the lives of vulnerable species.

Patty took delight in explaining veterinary and other medical matters to us, employing sophisticated scientific vocabulary that kept our heads spinning and our fingers nimble googling unfamiliar terminology. But Patty was not only up to date on veterinary pathology, but on the latest celebrity gossip on TMZ, too. Patty’s paella and roasted game hens were unsurpassed, and helping her prepare and cook a meal was a joy. One evening when she was in San Francisco to conduct a hippopotamus necropsy (autopsy), she called us spontaneously to grab a bite of dinner, and as we drove to the restaurant with Patty and a colleague, jars of hippo samples preserved in formaldehyde jostled behind us.

Patty was also deeply devoted to her Labradors, named Halley (for Halley’s Comet), Andi (for Andromeda), and Cassie (for Cassiopeia), who brought her much happiness. And Patty loved adventures, such as camping out in the desert with her younger brother, friends, colleagues, and their dogs to catch the dazzling Perseid meteor shower light up the night sky. Patty was also very supportive of the LGBTIQ+ movement and proudly joined us to march with our family in the SF Pride Parade and for our wedding.

Patty received her cancer diagnosis with striking equanimity. Although, of course, she was shocked and upset, she approached having a terminal illness with both acceptance and the tenacity to pursue every possible treatment. Exhibiting her emotional clarity and maturity, as well as her personal character and constitution, she told us: “I’m going to do everything I can, until I can’t–then, I won’t.”

Patty absolutely loved what she did and was in the prime of her career; for as long as possible, she was not going to let the disease or afflictive emotions stop her. Perhaps Patty even surprised herself, once remarking that if she as a pathologist were reviewing her own medical chart, she would think the person was undoubtedly hospitalized and not still working full-time as she was and enjoying adventures with beloved family and friends.

Of course, Patty remains alive in our hearts and the hearts of many others. And we know that Hirola antelope, Channel Island foxes, and other creatures would be thanking her for all her efforts on their behalf if they could. Patty leaves a marvelous legacy of fun, joy, and devotion to the health and wellbeing of all beings, both animal and human—and a dream that we could all inhabit the world together in harmony.

John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.

6/26 and Beyond
Published on July 31, 2025