Patricia Bragg (née Pendleton; April 29, 1929 – August 10, 2023) was an American businesswoman, author, and health consultant. She served as the chief executive officer of Bragg Live Food Products and Books, and chairperson of the Bragg Health Institute.[1][2][3][4]

Patricia Bragg
Born
Patricia Pendleton

(1929-04-29)April 29, 1929
DiedAugust 10, 2023(2023-08-10) (aged 94)
EducationUniversity of California, Berkeley
Spouses
Robert E. Bragg
(m. 1952; div. 1957)
James Cameron Gilroy
(m. 1976; div. 1976)
Parents
  • Harry Clay Pendleton (father)
  • Nettie Deacon Pendleton (née Coward) (mother)
RelativesPaul C. Bragg (ex-father-in-law)

Early life edit

Patricia Pendelton was born in Oakland, California, on April 29, 1929, daughter of Harry Clay Pendleton (1874–1961), a building contractor, and Nettie (née Coward) Deacon Pendleton (1898–1964). She was raised in Piedmont, California, where she attended both grammar school and high school. She graduated from Mary Wallace School, a private Piedmont high school for girls, in June 1947.[5]

After finishing high school, she attended the University of California, Berkeley for two years.[6] In an interview published in the Santa Barbara News-Press on March 8, 2011, Bragg said she graduated from that institution with a "bachelor's degree in biochemistry".[7] Bragg reported having earned a Ph.D. in health science in 1973 and doctor of naturopathy degree in 1974 from Bernadean University in Nevada, according to an archived article in the Santa Barbara News-Press; "schools of naturopathic medicine offered training but were not recognized by the medical profession when Dr. Bragg wanted to earn her degree."[8] Bernadean University was not accredited institution.

On April 19, 1952, Patricia Pendleton and Robert E. Bragg (1922–1993) married at the First Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, Arizona.[9] The marriage did not last long and they divorced in 1957, in Los Angeles County, California. Prior to and following their divorce proceedings, Bragg assisted her former father-in-law, Paul C. Bragg, with his health products business.

Business edit

Paul C. Bragg founded Bragg Live Food Products in 1912; Patricia assisted him with the enterprise.[10] Patricia Bragg later appeared on Paul Bragg's Health & Happiness TV show, which ran from September 1959 to an unknown date on Channel 9, KHJ-TV, in Los Angeles, CA. She co-authored a number of books with Paul Bragg earlier in her career, and later was the sole author of many of the later Bragg health books; Goodreads lists 28 distinct works under her name.[11]

Patricia Bragg became chief executive officer of Bragg Live Foods, Inc. sometime in the 1970s.[12] The company acquired organic certification from organic certification agency CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) in 2013.[13]

Bragg Live Foods was acquired in 2019 by a group of investors, led by private equity firm Swander Pace Capital, investment firm Dragoneer Investment Group and co-investors singer/songwriter Katy Perry, actor Orlando Bloom, and Hayden Slater, founder of Pressed Juicery; Bragg retired as CEO thereafter. Bragg Live Foods, Inc. is a producer of apple cider vinegar, and other health-focused food and dietary products.[14]

Death edit

Bragg died at her home in Goleta, California, on August 10, 2023, at the age of 94.[15] "In addition to her work in the natural products industry, Patricia was an avid benefactor of her Santa Barbara community, where she supported local food pantries, animal shelters, and wildlife preservation efforts, in addition to naturopathic and nutrition educational efforts, according to the company."[16]

References edit

  1. ^ Pignataro, Anthony (February 28, 2008). "In the Name of the 'Father'". Maui Time Weekly. Archived from the original on January 29, 2011. Retrieved November 30, 2010. Alternatively: "mauitime.com/culture/in-the-name-of-the-father-part-2". Also see "Patricia Bragg: Born to do her father's work - New Hope 360" (on-line interview, Natural Food Merchandiser magazine, 8/24/2008).
  2. ^ MacVean, Mary (March 6, 2015). "Patricia Bragg, a living testament to healthful habits". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  3. ^ "5 Lifetimes Of Patricia Bragg". Healthy Living Magazine. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  4. ^ Dubroff, Henry (August 29, 2014). "Beneath the pink hat, a strong mind for building a business". Pacific Coast Business Times. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  5. ^ Oakland Tribune, June 7, 1947, "Gala Occasion For Young Set".
  6. ^ Oakland Tribune, September 8, 1954, "Braggs Leave For L. A. Home"
  7. ^ "Patricia Bragg Featured in Santa Barbara News-Press, She is a Crusading Healthy Lifestyle and Food Guru". expertclick.com. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  8. ^ "Patricia Bragg Featured in Santa Barbara News-Press, She is a Crusading Healthy Lifestyle and Food Guru". expertclick.com. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  9. ^ Maricopa County, AZ Recorder Book 123, Page 602.
  10. ^ "Company Profile: Bragg Live Foods". WholeFoods Magazine. June 20, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  11. ^ "Books by Patricia Bragg". Goodreads. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  12. ^ "In Memoriam: Patricia Bragg, Health Food Pioneer". WholeFoods Magazine: Informing and Educating the Natural Products Industry. August 11, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  13. ^ "Bragg Live Foods Products Inc./Bragg Health Institute". California Certified Organic Farmers. June 6, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  14. ^ Danley, Sam (June 25, 2019). "Investor group acquires Bragg Live Food Products". Food Business News. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  15. ^ Dallow, Lily (August 10, 2023). "Patricia Bragg, health and wellness icon, dies at age 94 in her Goleta home". KEY-TV. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  16. ^ "In Memoriam: Patricia Bragg, Health Food Pioneer". WholeFoods Magazine: Informing and Educating the Natural Products Industry. August 11, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2024.

External links edit