Jacqualeen E. Patterson
September 30, 1921 - September 23, 2008
Obituary
Jacqualeen E. Patterson
Jacqualeen E. Patterson of Federal Way, died September 23, 2008 after a brief illness. Born in El Reno, Oklahoma, September 30, 1921, she was the daughter of Thomas Keller and Fedelia Keefer Keller. Following the death of her parents, Jackie was raised by her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Lon Burt Thompson in Long Beach, California. Mom was funny and gracious and always a lady. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach. It was in high school that Mom met her husband to be, John Patterson. When Mom was 19, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis and sent to a sanatorium for a year. Mom’s personal strength and Dad’s love for her resulted in her full recovery from a disease that, back then, was often fatal. They married in 1943 in Victorville, Ca. When Dad went off to serve in the Army Air Corp during WWII, Mom stayed home and worked in the local shipyard. Throughout her life, Mom spent time working outside the home, but being a wife and mother was her passion. Dad decided to make the Air Force his career and Mom became the consummate military wife. She could pack for a move better than anyone we know, mostly because she had so much practice over the years. When Dad was away for long periods of time, Mom raised the children, kept the house in good working order and maintained a sense of humor on top of it all. In 1973, Dad and Mom retired from the military and made their home in Federal Way, both working for Boeing before retiring for good to enjoy their family, friends, and each other. Mom had a knack for decorating, and loved to travel and cook. She enjoyed needlepoint and embroidery and belonged to several local needlework groups. A woman of tremendous love and faith, she was Dad’s caregiver in the final years of his life, a job that resulted in tremendous personal sacrifice, but a job she did with patience and caring for her beloved. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, John, her father Thomas, mother Fedelia and her beloved aunt and uncle. Jackie is survived by her four children, Cecilia, Kathleen and her husband William Goetz, Patricia Patterson and her husband Dan Gallagher, and Timothy; seven grandchildren including Jennifer and her husband William Montague, Matthew, John and his wife Melinda, Timothy John, Jr., Katharine, Kristopher and Andrew; one great-grandchild, Addison Jane; and John’s brother William Patterson and his wife, Joyce. Our hearts are broken at the loss of our mother, but we take great solace knowing that she and Dad are together again. Mom and Dad, we love you and will miss you. Jackie’s children would like to thank Mom’s caregiver in the last months of her life, Rebecca Camarista, for the love and tender care she showed our mother. Rebecca will forever be in our thoughts. Visitation will be held on Friday, 9/26/08 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at BONNEY-WATSON Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, WA 253 839-7317. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 9/27/08 at 1:00 pm at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 30525 – 8th Avenue S, Federal Way, WA. Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church or to a favorite charity.
Patricia and Family,
Wishing you strength during this difficult time, with the love of your family and fond memories to carry you forward.
Celebrating a life well-lived!
Kathy & Bill and family,
We’re thinking of you and sending our sympathy. We will always remember your Mother for the lady she was.
Gene & Amy
Kathy, so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your ‘Mom’ was quite a lady. I know it’s tough and hard to believe at times, but the Lord has made a way for us to cope. With Love, Matt, Clara, and Whitney Manning.