Patricia M Timmons-Rockey
April 30, 1965 - April 26, 2019
Obituary
Patti Rockey passed suddenly and without warning while napping Friday afternoon, April 26, just four days shy of her 54th birthday. Her family has been shocked and is beyond saddened with the loss of their wife and mother so suddenly.
Patti was born in Tacoma, WA, raised in Des Moines, WA and graduated high school from John F Kennedy Memorial HS (now Kennedy Catholic) in 1983, where she was a leader in her class. She went on to attend Gonzaga University for one year, before transferring to and graduating from Seattle University. She started her working life at King County, before moving on to Boeing in 1989, where she had a long, fulfilling and successful career. It was at Boeing where she first met her future husband Jeff, both working on Boeing’s development of the Longacres site, and they married in May of 1993.
Patti was a big personality with an unbelievable work ethic and an even bigger heart. Professionally, she was a leader who was process driven; there was the right way – the Patti Way – to do things and any other way was simply wrong. She could be exacting, humorous, demanding all at the same time, as the situation may call for. She could be intimidating at times, and yet had a way of bringing out the best in people.
In her personal life, Patti had a way of connecting with most everyone she met, typically finding herself in the center of conversation, whether with old friends or newly introduced strangers. She wore her heart on her sleeve – she once had the nickname Passionate Patti – and held her friendships near and dear to her; if you were a friend, you were a friend for life and she would do anything for you. The outpouring of sympathy and support from family, friends and co-workers has been remarkable and means more than they may realize or understand. She touched a lot of lives.
Patti suffered from chronic health issues over many years, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and skin cancers. Her family often voiced that Patti was the toughest person they knew as she refused to let her health issues get in the way of her work or her life.
Patti loved her family dearly and her children were her universe, precious to her in every way; she was so proud of them and would do anything for them. She was so looking forward to their graduations this spring, Megan from Western Washington University and Andrew from Kennedy Catholic. While we know she will be in attendance in spirit, she will be sorely missed at the ceremonies.
Patti is survived by her husband of almost 26 years, Jeff, their two children, Megan Marie and Andrew Cosmo, and her siblings – sister Theresa Timmons, and brothers Matt Timmons and Joe (Heidi) Timmons, along with numerous in-laws, nephews and nieces, all of whom will miss her dearly.
A special thanks to all of the medical providers who have helped Patti over the years, some of whom are very dear to her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Patti’s memory to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation, Skin Cancer Foundation or charity of choice.
I am so sorry for your loss of Patty she was a wonderful person l am keeping your family in my prayers at this sad time. May God be with you all
Patti, Our family loved you and your family and cherish the times we spent together. Thank you for your friendship and thank you for being such a good friend to Emily.
Am so very saddened by this news. We were on drill team together in high school and she was a compassionate person, lent her shoulder for me to cry on and was a great listener. It’s been a long time but her kindness has never been forgotten.
Will always remember her cheery self at the concession stand Salt Water State Park.
I’m sorry for your loss. I was Patti’s friend at Saint Philomena grade school. She was someone everyone wanted to be around. Even at that young age, she was a caring and compassionate person.
I’m so sorry to hear about Patti. Patti and I went to Kennedy together. She helped me get my first job at the snack stand at Salt Water State Park. We were also on drill team together and carpooled often to and from practice. She was the kindest person. Much love to your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Patti in high school where we were on drill team together. She was such a great team member and always so fun to be around and she was especially kind. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
My prayers are with your family. Patti was one year behind me at St. Philomena and Kennedy. Always a fun and friendly presence. We had a fun time on drill team and being a part of St Philomena connected us forever. I am sorry to hear of her passing and I pray for God’s strength during this time.
Patsy Riley Brown
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Patty. Patty and I were on drill team together at Kennedy HS and later worked at Saltwater Park together during college. I remember her as a kind friend. It is always shocking to see someone so young pass so unexpectedly. I will pray for her husband and children as they deal with this tragic loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Patti was a terrific person who greatly loved her family. I had the privilege of meeting Patti as a fellow member of the Aviation Suppliers Association – Quality Committee. I quickly learned
to appreciate Patti’s dedication to her profession as an Aerospace professional and as a proud member of the Boeing team. I always enjoyed our conversations at ASA conferences and QC meetings. She always brought a very good perspective and positive input to issues the Quality Committee might be working through, She will be greatly missed, both as a wonderful person and as a valued colleague.
No words can express my feelings. Patti was like sister to me. We met rarely in person for fun activities and for workbut communicated near daily. I am still considering her being here. I refuse to believe she left me. Love you sis.
Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
My deepest condolences. Patti was a great co-worker and valued asset for the Boeing Co and the Quality organization. I especially appreciated her expertise, professionalism and humor when she was assigned to the Boeing Spares Distribution Center. Patti will be missed by many.
May the family and loved ones find comfort and strength to get through this difficult time.
Jeff and Family:
Life is unfair, and we have to be glad for the people who we share it with who we love, and who show us how to love life during the time they are given. I will always remember Patti as one of those people. She was terrific, and I consider myself lucky to have known her. She was so genuine and so sincere. Greeting her after gaps in our contact — which became too long in recent years — felt like we were hardly apart. She was that loving. I won’t forget the trip we all took to our place on the Icicle, where Patti joined in the crazy vertical “hike” we tried with her total enthusiasm, right up to the point where she helped us all realize the whole idea was crazy. She had that perfect mix of bravery and good sense that a lot of people lack. It is just totally unfair that she didn’t get to share her gifts, and there were many more than I list here, for a longer time. I hope that you and Megan and Andrew find some solace in the memory of the gifts she gave. We are praying for you all — Michael, Nancy, Jensen and James Merrill — Lancers all. like you and Patti and Megan and Andrew.