Patricia Maynor Bikai

December 14, 1943 - August 4, 2025

She attended Santa Clara University, with a year in Vienna. After graduation in 1965, she worked as a photographer and then earned an M.A. in Biblical Studies from the University of San Francisco. In 1969 she entered the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley CA where she earned a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies.

She was invited to go to Lebanon for a University of Pennsylvania archaeological project at Sarafand. In her first days there in 1970, she met Pierre Bikai who was the manager of the excavation at Tyre, a few miles to the south. She returned to Sarafand in the spring of 1971 and 1972 and worked at Tyre in a Roman cemetery, opening tombs. She excavated a Crusader church, where she and Pierre were married in June 1972.

During those years, she also directed the excavation of a Roman religious shrine, which was published as Tyre: The Shrine of Apollo. During 1973-75, she developed a classification system for the ceramics of the site and directed the first excavation to bedrock at Tyre, covering the Early Bronze Age through Roman period, later published as The Phoenician Pottery of Tyre.

When civil war broke out in Lebanon in 1975, she moved back to the U.S. She was a lecturer at the University of San Francisco and later a visiting lecturer in Near Eastern Studies at the University of California Berkeley.

In 1981 she worked as chief field archaeologist for Brigham Young University’s expedition to the Seila Pyramid in Egypt.

Since work in Lebanon was not possible because of the continuing war, she began to focus on Cyprus. With a Fulbright research fellowship in 1984-85, she wrote The Phoenician Pottery of Cyprus as well as several articles.

Since 1978, she and Pierre lived in the small town of Albany, next to Berkeley. She became involved in local politics and eventually became chair of the Planning Commission. She oversaw the high-stakes planning process for development of a large tract fronting San Francisco Bay. In 1990 she started preparing to run for mayor of Albany, but career events interrupted.

In 1991 Pierre became director of the American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR) in Amman, Jordan. Patricia became associate director and grants administrator for the various archaeological grants issued to the center. She managed work on restoring part of an enormous Roman Temple, and supervised excavations of a Byzantine church with spectacular mosaics and a cache of papyri. The latter turned into a multi-million-dollar project that continues to this day.

She and Pierre became involved in the conservation of archaeological sites. Archaeologists used to excavate and then abandon their site. Under the conservation movement, archaeologists were urged to at the very least leave their sites protected from the elements. Eventually the movement became not just to protect but also present the site for the benefit of visitors and the local population.

In 1994 she returned to excavating with a small project at a Byzantine church in Petra. By 2002, her group had excavated two churches and two Nabataean tombs. The second church was called the Blue Chapel. It had many of its 6th century elements preserved. She also excavated two tombs of the 1st century that were full of pottery and other artifacts. Objects from this excavation, including a spectacular blue marble pulpit, were exhibited in 2003 as Petra: Lost City of Stone at the Museum of Natural History in New York and later at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Patricia began another project in 2005 at Petra Archaeological Park. It began as a modest attempt to clean up the Beidha site for tourism and do a systematic survey. They uncovered the remains of what was probably the summer palace of the Nabataean king Malichus (58-30 B.C. This was published as Beidha in Jordan: A Dionysian Hall in a Nabataean Landscape, accompanied by an exhibit of the pieces at Darat al-Funun, a center for art in Amman . They are now in the Petra Museum.

In 2006 she and Pierre retired from ACOR. Patricia was awarded the Hussein Medal for Distinguished Service, 2nd degree, by King Abdullah al-Hussein. They returned to the U.S. in 2011. She continued writing about the Petra and Beidha excavations and published the final report on the Byzantine church at Petra, Petra: The North Ridge.

The family has arranged for a private burial. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County at svdp-alameda.org

Born in 1943 in New Orleans to John Maynor Breen and Helen Madigan Breen, Patricia Bikai was raised in Chevy Chase outside Washington and attended Newton College in the Boston area for her freshman year. She attended Santa Clara University, with a year in Vienna. After graduation in 1965, she worked as a photographer andContinue Reading

See Condolences

Dear Pierre, I am so sorry to hear of Patricia's passing. It was fun getting to know Weir again at our Santa Clara luncheon, and getting to know you as well. Unfortunately, because of my own health problems, I have been unable to attend, recent reunions, and therefore missed seeing the two of you. what incredibly interesting lives you have lead! Please know that I am holding Patricia in my thoughts and prayers.

We join all of your family, especially Pierre, and friends in celebrating Patricia's life. We had the priviledge of working with Patricia and Pierre while on assignment with USAID in Jordan, and witness their passion for researching and documenting archeological and historical findings in Jordan and the Middle East. The Mosaics of Jordan is but one example of her outstading professional work, along with her many other publications, which will remain a gift to future generations. United in prayer, in sorrow and in joy, in celebrating Patricia's life. Carl Dutto and Patricia Liske

Dear Pierre, We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our very dear Patricia. When you left Jordan , we hoped and believed that our paths would cross again. Sadly, circumstances did not allow it. We carry in our heart the most beautiful memories of our shared time in Jordan . I remember vividly the first time we met in Petra, and the days when you were excavating the church at Darat al Funun, and when Patricia made great discoveries in Beidha. Aysha was participating in the excavation and I used to visit them. These and more were beautiful, memorable times that will forever remain in our hearts. You may have been far away, but you were always with us in spirit. We hope Patricia passed peacefully, without suffering, and that these treasured memories may bring you some comfort in this time of sorrow.

Patricia was such a force! Thank you for sharing her fascinating life story with us. She made a deep impact on me when I met her at the American University of Beirut in 2009... I still quote her pithy lines and well formulated, strong opinions from our conversations all those years ago. End of an era.

I would like to express my deepest condolences to Pierre. We may have lost a reference, but Patricia’s legacy will remain with us for ever.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I have no words to express my deep condolences to her husband, Pierre. I would like to express my gratitude and admiration for Patricia. We have lost a reference, but her legacy will remain with us for ever. Paco Núñez.

Dear Pierre, Patricia was wonderful--kind, accomplished, knowledgeable, considerate, and visionary. Together, you made the perfect couple. I am so very sorry for you. These days will surely be difficult. You will find solace in the memory of the countless things that Patricia did for so many others. For you, she was a steady staff. For ACOR, she was a visionary who saw a small archaeological center become an international institute on a par with its sister schools throughout the Mediterranean region. For her friends in Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus, and America, she was a kind and loving soul. For the international scholarly community, she was a terrific intellectual resource. For me, she was a teacher. From her, I learned about archaeology, scholarship, and the importance of publishing what had been hidden for centuries and uncovered through field work. So many owe her so much. Yours, Tom Dailey

From Jordan where Patricia was one of the pillars of culture and heritage, I had the honor and pleasure of working with her and her colleague and friend Father Michele Piccirillo..... I extend my condolences to the entire family and to my friend Pierre with whom I shared unique projects and wonderful time

Dear Patricia and Pierre, We are grateful and blessed to have met you … actually you were accomplices in our life together from the moment Anna stepped into ACOR (more than three and half decades ago), to our memorable wedding in Mount Nebo, which you so carefully helped planning, to our later return to live in Jordan with the kids. Patricia, your kindness and affection for us and the children was extraordinary. We shared wonderful times together visiting Petra, and what emotions with the discovery of the burned papyri at the Byzantine church ! Patricia you even had Anna’s parents dig at the Ridge church. How fun. Visiting you in Aqaba was always a treat and meeting you in San Francisco even more. We remember the incredible orchids you had in your apartment and your tips on how to care for them (a cube of ice/week), is still in use at our house. Patricia you left a footprint on earth and not only as archaeologist and researcher but as a wonderful soul. Your legacy continues both professionally and in our hearts. May you rest in peace. 🙏 To Pierre, Gaetano’s best man, our deepest thoughts and warmest hugs. ❤️ Anna and Gaetano With Cecilia and Nicolò

My deepest condolences go out to Pierre and the rest of the family, as well as to those who knew and loved Patricia. I was fortunate to participate in several archaeological digs led by Patricia in Petra. Those experiences were the opportunity of a lifetime and enriched my life in ways that words can’t express. I will cherish the memories of the wonderful times we had together in Petra, Amman, and in her lovely beach house in Aqaba's Tala Bay.

Patricia was one of my dearest old friends. From Sarafand to Tyre to Jordan to California, Patricia and Pierre were always there. I am so lucky to have had her in my life. Pierre, come up for a visit! Much love, Julia

As a long time friend to both Pierre and Patricia I am so saddened by the loss of Patricia. She was Kind, loving and always there in times of need. Both Patrica and Pierre had a zest for life and always amazed us neighbors with there stories of exotic lands and the discovery’s they made. Pierre and Patricia always loved entertaining. Be it BBQ’s or drinks on the porch. Patricia would always call me monthly wanting to know how I was doing dealing with my medical issues. It meant so much to me. Patricia and Pierre will always be with me in spirit. Bless you Patricia for a life well lived. Bill Dennis

I had the pleasure of working with Patricia and her partner Pierre for many years at ACOR and had many wonderful moments with them, too many and diverse to list. She was a serious archaeologist, an attentive administrator, a great friend and a major contributor to her field. My family was better for knowing her (and Pierre).

To uncle Pierre and Aunt Patricia’s family, We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Aunt Patricia. There are no words that can truly ease the pain of such a loss, but please know that our hearts are with you in this difficult time. Aunt Patricia’s warmth, kindness, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She carried herself with grace and gave love freely, always with a gentle smile and a generous heart. Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched. May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you, and in the beautiful memories you shared together. We are holding you all close in our thoughts and prayers. Love you always.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.