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Iconic San Francisco Socialite Pat Montandon Passes at 96

1/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pat Montandon, a San Francisco society figure, died on December 21 at age 96 in Palm Desert, California.
She was a prominent society figure and gossip columnist connected with Joan Baez and Eldridge Cleaver.
She wrote How to Be a Party Girl in 1968.
Her divorce from wealthy magnate Alfred Wilsey drew media attention.
Her son Sean Wilsey chronicled their family drama in Oh the Glory of It All.

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Story summary

Pat Montandon, a San Francisco society figure, died on December 21 at age 96 in Palm Desert, California.
She was a prominent society figure and gossip columnist connected with Joan Baez and Eldridge Cleaver.
She wrote How to Be a Party Girl in 1968.
Her divorce from wealthy magnate Alfred Wilsey drew media attention.
Her son Sean Wilsey chronicled their family drama in Oh the Glory of It All.