Former Santa Clara Mayor Patricia Mahan passed away on Saturday at the age of 71. Mahan had survived cancer multiple times. Her ultimate cause of death was heart failure, combined with liver and kidney failure.
Mahan was first elected to the Santa Clara City Council in 1994. She returned to the dais in 2010 and 2016. Mahan was elected mayor in 2000 and again in 2006. Three years ago, she resigned from the City Council due to health issues.
Mahan was an early proponent of the city’s switch to district-based elections. She played an integral role in the improvement of Santa Clara’s entertainment district and the establishment of the city’s own public utility. But her most profound legacy is likely Levi’s Stadium, “which she shepherded from what most people at the time thought was a pipe dream to a reality,” according to the Silicon Valley Voice.
“As one of the longest serving members of our City Council, former Mayor Patricia Mahan fearlessly led the city through many milestones and historic moments, like the Great Recession and development of Levi’s Stadium,” Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor told San Jose Spotlight. “She was an ardent advocate for historical preservation and instrumental in our Sister City program relationships. Her memory will be cherished and her contributions will continue to resonate within our Santa Clara community.”
“She was honest, direct, trustworthy and a major city icon as its second female mayor,” added Councilmember Anthony Becker. “She was a dedicated public servant who put her community first. She will be greatly missed.”
Mahan is survived by her husband John Boyles, son Colin and stepson Sean, sisters Jeannie Mahan and Bernie Mahan, and several nieces and nephews.