Honored members of the Y community gathered for a private dedication to the memorable and beloved Patricia “Pat” Breech Aho on Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA.

The YMCA of the Foothills planted a vibrant lemon tree within the Haaga Garden of the branch where members can visit the memorial daily. Aho was a valued executive assistant to former Y’s CEO Dennis Croxin. Once retired she became a dedicated annual support campaigner for the YMCA of the Foothills. With both her strong connections to the area and the numerous fostered relationships Aho cultivated throughout her years at the Y, she soon became a prolific fundraiser. Her selfless commitment to the Y’s mission with the community as her focus is one of the reasons the organization named its annual volunteer award after Aho, known as the Pat Aho Volunteer of the Year Award.

“Pat Aho was a beacon of light and grace,” said friend and Y board member Laura Olhasso. “From her valuable work on behalf of the YMCA, to her lovely voice in her church choir, to the lives she impacted across generations, she left her mark on our community. We were lucky to know her.”  

It is fitting that Aho’s dedicated tree sits within the Haaga Garden as she held close friendships with their family and many other treasured La Cañada community members. Both Paul and Heather Haaga were present and shared a few stories with the group about how their friendship started with Aho. The plaque by the tree reads:

“Planted with love in memory of Pat Aho. A wonderful person, volunteer, and friend – your wisdom and inspiration will continue to grow here.”

The community is invited to visit the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA to visit the Haaga Garden, gaze upon this stunning memorial and reminisce about a dear past friend whose memory will prosper and continue to inspire many generations to come.