Patricia Nixon First Spouse Gold Coin

Patricia “Pat” Nixon was born Thelma Catherine Ryan on March 16, 1912, in Ely, Nev. Her father gave her the nickname “Pat” shortly after her birth, calling her his “St. Patrick’s babe in the morn.”

Pat financed her education at the University of Southern California working part-time jobs on campus. She graduated cum laude in 1937, then accepted a teaching position in Whittier, where she met her future husband. When he decided to pursue a career in politics, Pat campaigned tirelessly on his behalf. She accompanied him on his trips abroad during his vice presidency, a practice she continued during his presidency.

As first lady, Mrs. Nixon encouraged the spirit of volunteerism. Genuinely concerned about people, she visited Peru following a devastating earthquake, and spent hours walking through debris and comforting survivors. She also visited South Vietnam, becoming the first First Lady to visit a combat zone.

Following her husband’s resignation, the Nixons returned to their estate in San Clemente, Calif. She died in 1993.