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A singer on “The Patti Page Show” in 1955, Morris Redding brought a copy of a photograph of himself and Patti Page from the show to Page’s memorial service. The memorial for the famous 1950s singer was held on Jan. 9 at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church. Photo by Rachel Stine
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Friends recall fond memories of singer Patti Page

SOLANA BEACH — Friends and fellow entertainers remembered famed country and pop singer Patti Page at her memorial service Wednesday at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church.

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“Her remarkable talent was ongoing. She always kept that voice,” said Pat Wood, who knew Page for more than 20 years when they lived near each other in Del Mar.

One of the most popular singers in the 1950s, Page’s hits included, “Tennessee Waltz,” “Old Cape Cod,” and “(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window.”

Though she was born in Claremore, Okla., Page was a longtime Southern California resident, living in Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe for years.

She died at age 85 in Encinitas on Jan. 1, 2013.

U.S. Navy Commander Abe Thompson said he will always remember the comfort Page’s music gave him and his family as they moved to different bases around the world. He said his family and Page’s were good friends for the past 12 years after meeting at Faith Community Church, where both families attended regularly.

“Her lullaby music sustained us,” Thompson said. “That song, ‘Child of Mine,’ I’ll always remember it at 2 a.m. when I held my child.”

Thompson said that Page’s “respect for beautiful, traditional, nostalgic music” stood out to him the most. “It’s rare that you find such a perfect tone,” he said.

“She was a very pleasant, considerate person to work with,” said Morris Redding, who was a singer on “The Patti Page Show” during its only season in 1955.

Covered in flowers, Page’s casket was brought into the church as her rendition of “Amazing Grace” played in the sanctuary.

About 200 people attended the service, which was open to the public. Dr. Douglas Baker of Faith Community Church officiated.

Page’s private burial was held at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego after the service.