Queen Charisma

Known throughout the sisterhood as Queen Charisma a royal name lovingly bestowed by one of her chapterettes Patricia Cosgrove embodies the heart, humor, and unwavering spirit of the Red Hat Society.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Patricia’s life has been defined by service, leadership, and an infectious zest for life. From an early age, she was active and involved attending St. Alphonsus School through eighth grade, where she played volleyball and basketball and served as a cheerleader. That same enthusiasm carried her through Schurr High School, where she continued competing in volleyball and softball while proudly representing her school as a varsity cheerleader and songleader.

Her passion for justice and community led her to East Los Angeles Junior College, where she studied Administration of Justice, played field hockey, cheered and was crowned 1978 Homecoming Queen. She later continued her education at San Jose State University as a Criminal Justice major, a decision that would shape the course of her remarkable career.

Patricia dedicated her professional life to law enforcement, beginning her journey at just 15 years old with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Deputy Explorer Academy. In 1984, she fulfilled her calling by becoming a Deputy Sheriff with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Over the years, she served in numerous roles from jail operations and prisoner transport to patrol, court bailiff duties, warrants, fugitive and extradition work, and ultimately becoming the first deputy assigned to security for the County Government Center. Patricia loved her career deeply, and her pride in service shines through every story she tells.

After retiring, Patricia found joy in a new role working as a school crossing guard for the San Jose Police Department. Watching children grow year after year and greeting them with a smile each morning warmed her heart. Yet, by her own joyful declaration, her most fulfilling role of all is being “Grammie” to her four beloved grandchildren.

Married for over 41 years, Patricia shares a love story straight out of a movie. She met her husband while they were both “starving students” working at a Jack in the Box near San Jose State University. He was her shift supervisor and on just her second day, she famously “read him the riot act” over something he said. His shocked (and heartfelt) apology marked the beginning of a lifetime of love.

Patricia’s hobbies reflect her boundless creativity and energy: scrapbooking, card making, crafting, traveling, cruising, hiking, camping, line dancing, and planning themed tea lunches. Family and friends are her greatest joy, and that love naturally extends into her Red Hat life. She also serves as a board member for the LILAC Branch, a nonprofit dedicated to fundraising for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland.

Her Red Hat journey began in June 2002, sparked by a chance encounter with red hat pins in a boutique and her familiarity with Warning by Jenny Joseph. Although she waited until her 50th birthday in January 2010 to officially register, Patricia wasted no time  launching her own chapter just two months later. She calls it one of the best decisions she has ever made.

Her very first RHS event was unforgettable: an induction ceremony at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California where RHS welcomed Terry, a 50-year-old bottlenose dolphin, into the Society. (A fun fact Patricia loves to share: she and Terry were born the same year!)

Among her many treasured RHS memories, three stand out. The 2017 Red Hatters Retreat in Tucson offered a smaller, more intimate experience and the honor of being nominated and later winning the title of Miss Congeniality. In 2023, Patricia celebrated RHS’s 25th Birthday Cruise alongside her three biological sisters, marking their first vacation together. And in 2025, at the Presidential Inauguration, Patricia experienced a moment she will never forget being officially crowned a Queen for the first time, recognized for 15 years of service, and receiving a RHS Proclamation.

When asked what she loves most about being a Queen, Patricia’s answer is simple and heartfelt: being there for her ladies through both joyful and challenging times, forming friendships across the globe, and sharing ideas all while having fun.

Her words of wisdom resonate deeply:

“Be present. Laugh, learn, listen, and love always.”

Patricia encourages her chapterettes to live with gratitude and positivity, reminding them daily that they are a gift beautiful, worthy, enough, and deeply loved. She closes with a message she hopes all sisters carry with them into the future: keep a playful spirit, recognize your purpose, be kind, live with gratitude and joy, and never forget your worth.

As Patricia so perfectly puts it: “Your presence is a present to the world.”