First Ladies of the United States: Pat Nixon

Thelma Catherine Ryan was born on March 16, 1912, in Ely, Nevada, to copper miner William Ryan and Kate Halberstadt Bender Ryan. She was their third child and only daughter. Her Irish father nicknamed her “Pat” in honor of St. Patrick's Day, the day after her birth, although she was known as Thelma throughout most of her childhood.

As the wife of the President Richard Nixon, Thelma Catherine “Pat” Ryan Nixon was First Lady of the United States from 1969 to 1974. She was an avid supporter of charitable causes and volunteerism.

Patricia Nixon, wife of President Richard Nixon, was born on March 16, 1912, in Ely, Nevada. Her mother, Kate Halberstadt Ryan, had originally named her Thelma Catherine. Her father, William Ryan, learned of her birth after coming home past midnight from his work in the mines, and called her his “St. Patrick’s babe in the morn.” She was to be “Pat” to him always.