Patricia Agnes Brown

Patricia Agnes Cecilia Brown, 92 years old, passed away on January 1st, 2017 in Yakima, Washington. She was born on May 28, 1924 in Sandpoint, Idaho to Florence and James Sullivan, the youngest of three girls. As a child, she spent time in Sandpoint Idaho, the convent in St. Ignatius, Montana and then lived in Spokane, Washington with her parents. She graduated high school at North Central High in Spokane, Washington in 1942.

Over her entire lifetime, Patricia was known for her independence, strength of character, her intellect and a desire to live life to its fullest – no matter her physical limitations or challenges. While strong-willed and vocal, she cared a great deal about all the people in her life including family, friends, caregivers and acquaintances.

Patricia was an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe based in Pablo, Montana. She was proud of her Native American heritage.

Patricia’s passions after high school were in entertaining with participation in various ice skating venues and a part in the Lake Placid Serenades movie with Vera Ralston (1944). She lived for several years in Hollywood.

Patricia married Dave Brown Sr. on September 5th, 1953. They had three children – two boys and a girl.

As her children grew up, Patricia was active as a Cub Scout/Boy Scout and Blue Bird/Girl Scout leader. She and her husband Dave enjoyed trout fishing and fishing in the Pudget Sound area, square dancing, bingo, playing cards and casino gambling on the slot machines. They also enjoyed ice fishing, ice skating and ice hockey in the winter months.

Patricia and family lived in Washington, Montana, Colorado and eventually returned to Yakima, Washington around 1978 – planning to eventually retire in the community. Patricia attended Holy Family Church for decades – until it became too cumbersome to get to church because of her inability to drive or have people to take her. She prayed from home – in lieu of church attendance.

Patricia had a variety of professional positions focused on bookkeeping throughout the years her children were in junior high and high school. Patricia, along with her husband Dave, had an entrepreneurial spirit and both had businesses after their children graduated high school. Patricia had a square dance shop selling dance outfits and attire and was a partner with her husband for more than 20 years in an offset printing and press business – MultiOffset Service and Sales.

Patricia is survived by her children including Joseph P. Brown (Billings, Montana), Karen Brown (Arvada, Colorado) and Dave Brown Jr. (Yakima, Washington). She is also survived by two grandchildren Heather Russell and Shane Brown (Billings, Montana) and Erik Peffer (Bainbridge, Washington); five great grandchildren including Kyle Brown, Katerina Brown and Mia Brown (Billings, Montana), Bailey Peffer and Austin Peffer (Bainbridge, Washington); three great grand-children including Tyler, Surreniti and Jayce (Billings, Montana). Patricia is also survived by her best-friend and unofficially adopted daughter - Lisa Kotlarz (Yakima, Washington).

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Florence Smith and Joe Smith, two sisters Leona Alexander and Mayme Youngman and spouse David D. Brown Sr.

The family extends thanks to The Ellen House for nearly four years of love, care, patience and understanding in working to ensure the last years of Patricia’s life were as enjoyable as possible and honoring Patricia’s and the family’s needs and desires.

Memorial tributes may be made to the American Stroke Association.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2017 at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14th at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. To leave a message or share a memory of Patricia, please go to www.keithandkeith.com