Patricia Florence Borgeson
May 11, 1942 - August 19, 2006
Obituary
Patricia Borgeson
The anchor of our family has left the world as we know it after long and valiant battle with cancer. She was a soul mate to her husband of 43 years, an incredibly giving caretaker to her daughter and son, a source of pride to her mother, a very loving grandmother to her two granddaughters and a shining inspiration to more than a thousand students that were fortunate enough to learn so much from her during her long career in the Federal Way School District. She had a powerful ability to see the positive virtues in any situation and she brought that youthful energy to the classroom every day, even while fighting for her life. So many children learned their first grade fundamentals from her but also gained patience, love and good manners. Her family and countless others are so fortunate to have felt her deep impact on our lives and without her warm glow and positive outlook, we are left with an unfathomable void.
In typical fashion, she had things well planned in advance and had requested a modest celebration of life for her family and close friends which is yet to be scheduled. She also asked that remembrances be made to the charity of your choice or to the Alpha Delta Kappa ADK scholarship fund so that others could have the resources to pursue the career that she found so rewarding. Checks should be made payable to “ADK” with a memo stating that it is for the “Pat Borgeson ADK Scholarship Fund”. Please send them to ADK Scholarship Fund, 6943 Rustic Road, Seattle, WA 98178.
Our family asks that you share any of your special memories of Pat with us by clicking on the “Sign Memorial Guestbook” link on this website.
Mrs. Borgeson was my favoritist teacher in First Grade. I remember her reading “The Boxcar Children” book to us. I also remember when she brought in Sassy and she gave me a kiss. I remember all the jokes she told me. I will miss her dearly.
Larry & Scott we have so enjoyed the many years of holidays, picnics and birthday celebrations we had with your family. Pat has touched each one of us in our family. Our fondiest memories are her kind and generious heart; her glowing smile that always greeted us. She is an inspiration for everyone to never quit and her spirit will live on in all of our memories and special moments we were blessed to share with her.
Monica & Megan McDaniel and Daniel Gross
Mrs. Borgeson- What a wonderful lady! She was my 1st grade teacher, and mentor when I was pursuing my teaching career. I will always remember her reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle to our class. She will be missed.
We have missed our special friend and son Eric’s 1st grade teacher since moving to middle school. We were sad to hear of her passing but know she is teaching the little angels in heaven. Larry, you and your family are in our prayers. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
James designed the “Read and Lead” wall in Pat’s classroom at Nautilus and she used it for years for each of her classes. Ileeda worked in the classroom during Eric’s time with his Mrs. Borgeson and continuted to visit until her retirement.
She will be greatly missed. Again, our condolences to the family.
There was never a teacher with a greater love of children and teaching than Pat Borgeson. I’m greatful to have had her as my son’s first grade teacher. We will miss her so
How we will miss such a special lady. Her love of teaching continued right on after retirement. She taught us all lessons in positive attitude, determination and always love. And her love for you Larry and Krista, Scott and the grandchildren was unbelieveable. She was so proud of you all. We will miss her greatly, but know she will be there waiting for us. Our love and prayers to you all.
Larry and Scott, Gayle and I are so glad to have known Pat in our lifetime. After our family gatherings or trips together, Gayle and I would always comment on how amazed we were at how well she did.
We so enjoyed her funny stories and her taking time to talk to each individual person. She never left anyone out. Justin and Megan always spent enjoyable time with her. I planted a red dahlia the next day on Sunday. I did so because she likes red and they bloom in August. We believe she is in Heaven being filled with love, peace, and dancing before the Lord! She got there first so that she can welcome each of you when it is time for you to go home too. Isn’t that neat!
Love, The Naylors,
Friends/Family
Pat was a first grade teacher at Adelaide Elementary school when I began my career as a third grade teacher. It was a pleasure to serve on the faculty with her during my early teaching years. As a sister in Alpha Delta Kappa honorary sorority for women educators we had many opportunities to visit over the years. Her enthusiasm for life will never be forgotten.
Our son, Taylor, was extremely blessed to have Mrs. Borgeson as his First Grade teacher three years ago. It seems as if everyday that year, he came home with something exciting to share – a joke or funny saying by Mrs. Borgeson, news that Mr. Borgeson was going to be bringing in treats for the class, or a story about Sassafras. She had such a gentleness about her yet she expected good behavior and held her students accountable – we liked that. I know that year she was ill but you would never know it by watching her or talking with her. She hid her illness well and remained devoted, enthusiastic, and so concerned about others kids AND parents. As a parent helper and a teacher myself before having children we had a lot to talk about. I had the opportunity to spend some extra time getting to know her better and it was very plain to see how very, very much she loved her family. What a great example of a devoted wife, mother, and teacher! She praised me for staying home with my children and that was a big encouragement to me – in a world that doesn’t promote moms staying at home. I was thrilled when she accepted my invitation to a women’s breakfast at our church. It was such an honor to have her there with me. A memory I will not forget – we ate together and watched a Joni Ericksen Tada video.
She will be so greatly missed by me and my family.
Our prayers are with all that were dear to her, particularly her family – may the Lord bless you with comfort, peace, and close friends. May you take comfort in knowing this: regarding heaven Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Our 2 & 1/2 year-old son, Cade, fell asleep last night reading “The Big Fire Engine,” one of many childrens’ books gifted to him by Mrs. Borgeson. Her kindness and thoughtful generosity has sparked an interest for reading in Cade for which we will always be grateful. Her legacy as a teacher will remain with our family and others as we pass along her passion for teaching and learning. We are thankful for Mrs. Borgeson’s positive influence on our lives.
Thinking of you all.
The Weatherbies
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. Pat was the kindest, sweetest, and most positive person I have ever met. She was my ideal of the model teacher. It was always a treat to talk with her at Alpha Delta Kappa or teacher meetings. What a brave soul she was to battle her disease with hope and determination. She will be remembered and missed. I just know she is up there, looking down, and smiling at all of us. Our prayers are sent to her strong, loving family.
There are not enough words or paper to list all the wonderful qualities Pat showed everyone throughout her life! She was one of the most positive and “giving” person we have ever known. There is no way to describe how much she will be missed by all.
Pat’s courage and strength in battling her disease was unbelievable!
Our thoughts and prayers to Larry, Scott, Krista, Mrs. Lazdins and Dawn.
From the West coast to the East, Pat was a ray of sunshine! Her visits to West Virginia were always unique and a thrilling adventure to share. Spending time with Pat, you could learn to recognize and appreciate the joy from the smallest things in life. She will have heaven organized and running smoothly by the time her family joins her there. She will live forever in our hearts.
Mrs. Borgeson was my first grade teacher at Mirror Lake Elementary school in the year 1965. I will never forget how she started class every day singing “Doe a Deer” from the Sound of Music. She was an incredibly great teacher and ignited a love of learning and of books for her students. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Hello Larry, Krista, and Scott,
I was the Office Manager at Nautilus for eleven years and worked with Pat for all those years. I attended the celebration on Friday night but did not get a chance to speak to each one of you. Pat was truly a beautiful, honest, hard working, caring person. I am so glad to have known her and so sad that she is gone. Thank you for the red chrysanthemum I was able to bring home from the table. I am going to plant at the ESC building Federal Way Admin Building outside my window. We have a white mum there and I will plant the red one next to it and I will think of Pat each time I look at it. I will remember and miss Pat always. Take care and know that you are thought of often as you learn to live life without Pat. Thank you for the wonderful celebration on Friday. Sincerely, Kathy Hoppenrath