Philanthropy & Final Years (1967-1980)

A diabetes kit similar to one Gail Patrick and other type 1 diabetics used to manager their diabetes (c.1960)

Gail Patrick featured in the San Francisco Examiner for her continued business adventures and volunteer work (1973)

Gail Patrick Jackson was passionate about donating her time, resources, and funds to her favorite charities and organizations. Two organizations she spent a great deal of time working with were the Los Angeles Metabolic Clinic and the American Diabetes Association. At the time Patrick Jackson and others had diabetes, there were minimal advancements in the management or treatment of the disorder. Those diagnosed with the autoimmune condition would use animal-derived insulin, which was often risky, and glucose urinalysis strips to evaluate their blood sugar levels. It was not until 1955 that disposable syringes were available for use, prompting people with diabetes before then to boil metal needles and glass syringes for each injection. In 1964, the first test trips that used a person's blood to read glucose levels came on the market. One can only imagine how challenging this condition was to control then. Still, Patrick Jackson had an optimistic outlook on diabetes. In a 1963 interview, she shared, "If you have to have a disease, you can count yourself lucky if it's diabetes. Sure, you have to take injections every day of your life. You have to learn to discipline your life and you develop a sense of mission. And the more constructive your life is, the better you feel. At least, that's the way it's been with me." When her college sorority, Delta Zeta, reached out to find a charity, she immediately suggested the "Unibetic Camp," a children's diabetes camp run by The Metabolic Clinic. Since the late 1950s, she also organized a yearly benefit luncheon to raise money for diabetes research.

In 1969, Gail Patrick and Cornwell Jackson filed for divorce after 22 years of marriage. They remained acquaintances and partners in their production company. After Perry Mason had ended and they had finalized their divorce, Patrick, now age 60, did not take this chance to bask in some free time. Instead of slowing down, Patrick became even more involved in her community and various charities. The business-savvy Patrick joined the governing board of Immaculate Heart College, Los Angeles, CA, and in 1970 was named the National Honorary Chairman of the Christmas Seal Campaign for the American Lung Association. Patrick was passionate about the dangers of air pollution and smoking because related diseases took the lives of many dear friends too soon. On a 1972 tour for the Christmas Seal Campaign, she was asked why she volunteered her time to the association. Patrick responded, "I've been touched personally by the loss of loved ones. That's what life is all about, seeing what you can do for others." She did a lot for others, and that list of achievements only grew in the 1970s. Gail Patrick was appointed the first Chairman of the Board for the American Diabetes Association (ADA), serving from 1973 to 1974. In 1974, she was awarded one of the first three Charles H. Best awards by Charles Best, the co-discoverer of insulin in 1922. The association honored and recognized her for transforming it from a private association into the public health organization it remains for people with diabetes today. She continually supported the ADA with gala events, fundraising, and research grants. To this day, the Gail Patrick Innovation Award, a $100,000 two-year grant, is awarded by the ADA in association with her estate to doctors conducting diabetes research to find new treatments and a cure. Patrick served on the ADA's National Advisory Council until she died in 1980. 

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In 1973, Patrick shared in an interview with the San Francisco Examiner that she was also working on a new Perry Mason series with a new cast and newly written stories. According to the interviewer, she lived in an "old mansion" in Hollywood, with her children, now 23 and 19. Patrick still kept busy with the entertainment industry and happily described her life at age 62 as her "own little world." In 1974, Gail Patrick married John Velde, Jr., her fourth and final marriage. The two were involved in the community, joining the California Museum of Science, and assisting with American Diabetes Association gala events.

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Sadly, in 1976, Gail Patrick was diagnosed with leukemia. She kept the diagnosis a secret from everyone other than her husband. Patrick did not wish to give the impression that she was slowing down or that her friends needed to worry about her. During her illness, she continued fighting through any setbacks. In 1977, Gail Patrick (Velde) set up a fashion show with Delta Zeta to benefit the Unibetic diabetes camp. Fellow Delta Zeta sorority sister, legendary costume designer Edith Head, co-organized and spoke at the event with her. The fashion event raised on average $130,000 for LA's metabolic foundation and took place annually with the help of Patrick Velde and Head. Patrick Velde assisted with every fundraising event, including the one held just a few months before her passing.

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In the final days before her passing, Patrick Velde still held one of her famous Fourth of July parties, a tradition she kept since arriving in Hollywood. According to James Bawden, who conducted the last interview with her, they had told party-goers she was sick with the flu and could not join the party. As a result, the guests serenaded her from outside and arranged so she could see the fireworks from her bedroom window. Unfortunately, two days later, on July 6, 1980, Gail Patrick passed away from leukemia at the age of 69. She spent her final moments in her husband's company at their Hollywood home. The family held a private ceremony to honor the life of Gail Patrick, and her family spread her ashes off the Santa Monica Coast. In the final months before her passing, Patrick told her closest friends not to be sad, that she lived a wonderful life.

Gail Patrick was an extraordinary woman and lived her life to the fullest. She went from studying law in school to starring opposite some of the most well-known names in Hollywood. Never taking no for an answer, she did everything in a way that benefited her and her peers in every situation. Known today as the talented actress, fearless businesswoman, and "mother" of Perry Mason, Gail Patrick did more than most people could ever dream of accomplishing. As a dedicated wife and mother, she created an exemplary work-life balance and loved her children more than anything. Her commitment to her sorority, Delta Zeta, is a testament to Patrick's loyalty to those she cared for the most. As a type 1 diabetic, she changed the landscape for what it meant to deal with a chronic illness, not let it hold you back, and stay optimistic. Patrick was a true pioneer in the world of diabetes research, and advancements in diabetes continue today thanks to her contributions.

Gail Patrick's legacy is more than her film roles as the "other woman." It is the countless lives she touched through her children's store and work on Perry Mason, the young women in the Delta Zeta sorority who receive scholarships to this day, and the people with diabetes who continue to benefit from her charity work and advocacy. As one of those people myself, I am thankful for Gail Patrick. I hope this biography sheds light on how incredible a person she was and allows her legacy to live on for many years.