Patricia Jean Palla, 78, of Greenbank, Wash., passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Aug. 8, 2019. She was born May 4, 1941, to the late Charles and Harriet Gates in Jonesboro, Ark. Her parents moved to California during World War II, residing in Gardena, Calif., for many years. She later settled in Redondo Beach, Calif., after marrying the love of her life, Tom, on Feb. 8, 1963.

Pat worked for Pacific Tel for 14 years, advancing to assistant chief operator. She paused her career to focus on being a wife and mother to her three beautiful daughters, Kim, Stephanie and Niki. Pat, Tom and Kim packed up in 1967 to move to Minnesota, where Tom’s family lived. Later, they welcomed two more children, Stephanie and Niki. In Minnesota, Pat discovered her love for fishing. They purchased a cabin on Lake Pokegama in 1968 and spent nine summers there creating endless memories.

In 1976, the family vacationed on Mercer Island, Wash., with Pat’s brother, John. They fell in love with the area so much, they purchased a home next door to her brother. Within a month, they sold their home and relocated the family to Mercer Island.

Pat worked for Nordstrom for 10 years after the girls were in school. Pat and Tom retired in 1997 and moved to Whidbey Island. The three daughters stayed in the Seattle area and continue to reside here.

Pat loved Whidbey Island. She enjoyed fishing from the beach. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Hubert Catholic Church and was very passionate about fundraising, charity work and fellowship with the Women of St. Hubert. She loved those women dearly, they were her “peeps.”

Family was the most important thing to Pat. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for staying connected with her family through online Scrabble. The many who played her in Scrabble knew they had a challenge on their hands.

Pat embodied love, kindness, humor and grace and was adored by everyone who knew her. She had a gift for working in any kitchen. People would seek out her cookies and pastries at the Women of St. Hubert annual bazaar. Neighbors, friends and family enjoyed all her wonderful baked goods. She was an avid reader and had a gift for writing, publishing a book of funny quotes about life.

Pat is survived by her husband, Tom, and daughters Kim (Matt), Stephanie (Jeff), and Niki (Dave). She is the beloved Grammy to grandchildren Hailey, Thomas, Samantha, Brandon and Megan; and great-grandsons Paul and Daniel. She also leaves behind her siblings, Charles, John and Kathy.

Please join the celebration of Pat’s life 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at St. Hubert Catholic Church, Langley, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Women of St. Hubert would be appreciated. Check made payable to St. Hubert Catholic Church — please note on memo line of check, “Women of St. Hubert.” Mailing address: P.O. Box 388, Langley, WA 98260.