Elizabeth Pattrick Mackenzie

Elizabeth "Beth" Pattrick Mackenzie, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, has died at age 86 in Pasadena, California. A Southern California resident since 1941, she was born in 1928 to parents John H. Pattrick and Elizabeth R. Pattrick, both of Missouri. She resided in Glendale with parents and younger brother Robert, and is a graduate of Hoover High School, Pepperdine University, where she earned her BA and Teaching Credential, University of Southern California, where she earned her MFA in Film/Television Production, and California State University Northridge, where she earned anothe MA in Cinematic Arts.

Beth achieved successful careers in both teaching and in television production. Her media career at NBC included years of travel programming with "Global Zobel", then multiple documentaries, one of which won a coveted Emmy award. She was promoted to producer and served in that capacity for 17 years. This work included public affairs programming, comparative religious programming and "The Sunday Show". Noteworthy programs included interviews with global spiritual leaders, including the Pope and the Dalai Lama.

She is best remembered for her great sense of humor, capacity to see beyond outward appearances, her ongoing financial/volunteer support of environmental, social justice and humanitarian causes. She was a mentor to many in her field and a friend to more, offering depth of understanding, compassion and loyalty, often walking alongside as a companion during difficult life passages. Through work contexts, her own spiritual practices grew to reflect a contemplative approach in both Christian and Buddhist traditions; she was an avid student and traveled to study under great masters of each discipline.

Beth is predeceased by her parents, her brother and her former husband, Kent Mackenzie. She is survived by few members of the Mackenzie clan, and by her chosen family in Escondido, CA. Memorial Services for Beth will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 1:30 pm in Little Church of the Flowers on the grounds of Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Those who knew her, please join the family in honoring and celebrating her life and legacy, and, at the very least, please contact us here.