Pat and I met while we both worked at Oregon Public Broadcasting and she quickly became a treasured friend.  On lunch hours, we would walk in the beautiful park near our office building and we talked about everything--one another's lives and loves (hers being her husband and children and whichever of her beloved dogs was currently in the home) and our small daily adventures and occasionally, something that might be troubling one of us.

We maintained our friendship for 35 years and Pat saw me through many ups and downs, with hilarious (when appropriate) and caring (when needed) commentary and wise advice.  Pat let me tease her because she loved to tease me.  She was one of the most grounded, intelligent, fun and common sensical people I've known.  I marveled at her ambition and ability to continue achieving in her later years, whether it was earning her baccalaureate degree or laying a brick patio.

Pat's presence in my life was a gift.  I loved her and feel as though her love will be with me always.

My condolences to Pat's wonderful children and grandchildren.  They were her most precious loves.

Pat,

Thank you for bringing me in as family from the very beginning—and for making James and me feel so unconditionally loved. You were endlessly curious about who we were, how we were doing, and always had a humorous way of looking at the strange world we’d all inherited without asking for it.

James and I will never forget the ice storm of 2021, when Rick rescued you and George from your powerless, frozen house. You came to live with us for the duration, and it became a treasured time—one where we truly got to know you and honor where you were in life.

Even as your memory sometimes wandered and moments slipped between us, the heart of who you were always came through. You still laughed, you still questioned, you still cared. And in the spaces between clarity, you offered us stories, pieces of your past, and fears you allowed me to hear. In those quiet windows of connection, you showed me the depth of your intellect, your quiet strength, and the complex emotions you carried as a woman and a mother.

You loved your children fiercely—deeply—sometimes without words, but always with meaning. I remember, and still do, how layered and complicated your relationship with yourself could be. But your love—though sometimes hidden beneath silence or forgetting—was real, lasting, and full.

Love to Patricia’s Loves.
Love to Rick.
Love to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to come.

With gratitude and remembrance,
Kat James & James Cunningham

All Nations Lutheran Women's Missionary League, Newport, OR.

We knew  your Mom Pat, for the last eight years through our Card Ministry at church.  Knowing the love you carried for your Mom, it was our pleasure to  greet her through our mailed cards.  May the healing gifts of time and the timeless love of God carry you gently through the loss you are feeling now, dear Lynn, and family.

It has been my great pleasure, privilege, and honor to call Pat my friend for nearly 25 years. Our paths first crossed when we were in literature classes together at Portland State University. When she had to miss a class because her grandson, Ian, was being born, she asked me to take notes for her. That was the beginning of our decades-long friendship. We would always joke that we knew exactly how long we had been friends because we only had to look at Ian’s birthdate. We shared a love of literature and formed a book club together with a few other friends. We continued our little book club until the very end,  most recently meeting just last May. Because we live about 45 minutes away from each other, we were active email pals, often corresponding with each other on a daily basis.  She was always so supportive and caring, not to mention laugh-out-loud funny, so it was always great fun to be with her. The world is a bit dimmer without her in it. I will miss her terribly.

To Brad, Rick, Todd & Lynn
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Aunt Pat. Even though I never had the chance to meet her, or any of you, we are all family and I send my own family's sincerest condolences. I hope we have the chance to meet some day under happier circumstances. In the meantime, please know that our thoughts are with you and we hope that your happy memories of your mother last forever. 

Dale Hermanson
(son of Gordon and Carolyn)
Nadi, Fiji

Pat brought a lot of joy to my life and I’ll miss her terribly but she’s gone to a happier place and she’ll have no more pain. I love her still.

Todd, thanks so much for letting me know about Pat, or as she wanted to be called “Gummie” because that is how her grandchildren said Grandma. I still remember when you sent a note to the Tigard High staff that your mom had just graduated from Portland State and she wanted to help somehow at school. I feel so lucky that she worked everyday in my classroom. She was an invaluable resource in my class for me and for my students. A fond memory was when our sophomore students had to learn Titania soliloquy in Midsummer Night’s Dream, she said she wasn’t capable of learning it with them. A few weeks later she was so proud of her accomplishment and proudly displayed her terrific recitation to each class.  She was  every bit a part of my family and when her health did not allow her to continue with  me, I missed her sense of humor and her dedication to serve others.  She was remarkable. I love you, Gummie!

OBITUARY

Patricia Marie Hermanson

25 August, 1932 – 17 July, 2025

Young's Funeral Home

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