Patricia Leone Poyneer
September 29, 1940 - March 23, 2013
Obituary
Patricia Leone Poyneer, dearly beloved sister, aunt, friend and teacher went home to Heaven on March 23, 2013, from her house in Federal Way, Washington. She died at age 72, from a sudden heart attack related to diabetes.
On September 29, 1940, in Tacoma, Washington, Pat was born to Ken and Mearle Poyneer. Except for a short time in Portland, Oregon during WWII, Pat was raised at Dash Point, Washington, with her younger brothers, Ed and Ken. She graduated from Stadium High School (1958) in Tacoma. She continued her studies at Seattle Pacific College (now University) where she received her teaching degree (1962) and did postgraduate work throughout her teaching career.
Pat had a wonderful impact on the hundreds of children whose lives she touched. She taught in the Federal Way district, primarily at Twin Lakes Elementary and Panther Lake Elementary. Upon retirement, she spent several years caring for her precious mother. Later, she resumed her career by teaching at Valley Christian School in Auburn. After her second retirement, she continued her involvement at VCS through substituting and teaching quilting classes.
Pat accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord as a young girl, and served Him faithfully, the rest of her life. She grew up, was baptized, and served at Tacoma First Free Methodist Church. Then, in 1978, she became a charter member of the Federal Way Free Methodist Church. Her final church family was New Day Christian Fellowship in Auburn. She also greatly enjoyed participating in the early Sunday morning services of the Belmor community. Pat’s church roles over the years included: Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, choir member, worship leader, prayer group member, secretary, board member and conference representative.
Pat had a deep, lifelong, interest in studying God’s Word. She was an active member of many Bible study groups over the years. She felt greatly privileged in being a Bible Study Fellowship group leader. She frequently expressed what a blessing the ladies were, and how they contributed to her own spiritual growth.
Hymns and Gospel songs were Pat’s perennial favorites, and she was fascinated by the stories behind them. Classical music also gave her joy, and she sang parts, or the whole, of Handel’s Messiah, every Christmas season. In addition to church choirs, she was an enthusiastic and dedicated member of several superior singing groups. She thoroughly enjoyed the challenging music and wonderful friendships she experienced with the Sweet Adelines, the Federal Way Chorale and, most recently, Breath of Aire. She told us many times, during the past year, how much she was enjoying the variety of excellent and fun music they performed, in many venues.
Pat’s library was extensive, and included such subjects as children’s literature, Christian romance, biographies, missions, nutrition, health, needlework, gardening, hymns, Bibles and Bible study related books. She also had many magazine subscriptions. She was never without reading material. When she was away from home, there were several volumes available in her car. When it came to encouraging reading, she definitely led by example!
Pat had an amazing array of angels in her collection. Her family, friends and students delighted her with their angel gifts. Here are some samples: plates, mugs, aprons, hot pads, towels, vases, figurines, books, pictures, candle holders and candles, pillows and throws, clothing and jewelry, decorative soaps, stationery, stickers, computer related items, garden art and, of course, everything related to Christmas.
Pat was a great “artist” with needles. Many family member and friends have been the glad
recipients of gifts of her knitting, cross-stitch, embroidery and quilting skills. Pat also had fun growing her own ingredients for homemade pickles, and her spicy salsa.
Pat cared passionately about others. She was a patient, confidential listener; a practical helper, and an unfailing prayer supporter. Her six word description would be:
Selfless giver with a servant’s heart
She is already terribly missed, by her family and friends. She has been a loving, loyal sister, not only to her brothers, but also to her sisters-in-law. She has been the “good fairy” aunt, and ardent fan of her nephews and their wives. She was “adopted” by her sister-in-law Ronee’s family, and has returned their love in full, maintaining close relationships with “Mom” and “Dad” Dorsett, and their numerous progeny. She has also been “Auntie Pat” to the children in her church families.
Pat was preceded in death by her great-nephew, Logan Poyneer. Pat is survived by her brother Ed and his wife, Linnie Poyneer, of Mountain Home, Idaho; her brother Ken and his wife, Ronee Poyneer, of Brush Prairie, Washington; her nephew Ed and his wife, Teresa Poyneer, of Algona, Washington; her nephew Nathan Poyneer of Mountain Home, Idaho and his daughter, Amethyst of Kent, Washington and her nephew Ken and his wife, Jessica Poyneer, of Midwest City, Oklahoma. Pat is also survived by her “sister-friend”, Erin and Erin’s husband, Mike Bradshaw, and many other close friends, as well as a wide circle of acquaintances.
There will be a private interment at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial in the family plot. Pat’s memorial service:
April 27, 2013
2 PM
New Day Christian Fellowship
1312 Second Street SE
Auburn, Washington 98002
A reception will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to Valley Christian School
(same address as the church).
Sister of our hearts, we’ll miss you and your yearly sleepovers. We were blessed to have had you in our lives. We know you are in the arms of God and in that take comfort. You were a joy and much loved, beautiful inside and out. See you soon.
U will be missed my friend . Knowing you are in the sweet arms of Jesus I know you are singing to hom. I will see you one day!!!
Pat – The Federal Way Chorale will miss you. You have a wonderful alto voice that will be welcomed in heaven. We shared many try-out times and board meetings together. You will always be remembered in joyous song.
Pat was a wonderful encourager to me as a new BSF leader. Her kindness knew no boundaries and I miss her very much but heaven’s choir has a lovely voice in Pat as she sings for our LORD in His kingdom
Pat was an inspiration to all who knew her in BSF, both to fellow group leaders and to her class members. She was and coninues to be an example of a true Christian that we
wlll try to emulate.. Always cheerful and so dedicated she even taught her class an hour after havng her car totaled in an accident. This was Pat and we were priviledged to hear her sing wth us and to know her. Our loss but heaven’s gain.
Pat was truly, as this lovely obituary states, a “selfless giver with a servant’s heart.” I feel honored to have known Pat and to have served with her at Bible Study Fellowship. Pat exuded a quiet strength, genuine humility and she radiated with authentic joy. I will miss her and extend my heartfelt condolences to her loved ones.
Pat and I shared many classes together, beginning in the 7th grade at Jason Lee through graduation at Stadium. She was a quiet, confident young lady who studied and got the best grades. She had a great smile and I can still hear her pleasant laughter after all these years. God’s speed Pat.
Pat will be dearly missed by those of us in her bible study fellowship group.
We will miss her very much. Our special memories range from the inception of Little Friends Childcare at Tacoma First Free Methodist Church to enjoying her concert with ‘Breath of Aire” at Christmas.
She was such an inspiration and friend to so many of us.
Pat always smiled at me as we passd each other in church.
How I wish I had taken the opporrtunity to get to know this “amazing great” lady. Her example to me is one to follow!
The last time we were with Pat was when our Widow Senior Group and single ladies over 60 met on March 7th. We all would meet once a month to take in different places and resturants. It was close to Saint Patricks Day, we all worn green and visited The Harp & Shamrock shop in Tacoma. Then had lunch at Knapp’s Resturant and ate Irish food. We shared Irish stories and Pat shared a lot of memories when she and her familiy ate at this resturant. After lunch we took a scenic tour of the places where Pat was at while growing up. On our way driving home Pat shared where she went to school, her church and many places in Tacoma. She sure knew all the street names. We will remember all the happy times spent with Pat, when she smiled, and laughed and we didn’t rush through the day. She was special and will be missed. Signed by Helen Hardin, JoAn Smith, Virginia Blair, Judy Carey, Carolyn Hume and Hilda.