Patricia Ann McCarthy Ehrig passed away in the home of her daughter and son-in-law ,Tracy and Ted Cook, on Tuesday, July 19,2022 at 7:11 p.m. in Hilliard, Ohio at the age of 91. She had suffered from dementia for some years and an opportunistic infection quickly overcame her.
She was born on June,13, 1931 in Portland, Oregon to John and Agnes McCarthy. She was preceded in death by her husband James Franklin Ehrig; brother Terrence Glen McCarthy; step son James Thomas Ehrig. She is survived by daughter Tracy Cook (Ted) , and step daughter Barbara Harriman: 7 Grandchildren; Matthew Andersen, Carissa Andersen, Megan Patterson (Brandon), Stacie Orris (Ken), Jimmy Ehrig (Breanna), Courtney Cook, and Caitlyn Lewis (Justin): 4 Great-Grandchildren; Faith McWrightman (Henry), James Orris, Stella Ehrig, and Kellen Ehrig: 5 Nieces; Patricia Godfrey (Lee), Teresa Bahr (Mike), Erin McCarthy, Cheryl Hanson (Mike), and Kim Logsdon (Greg). 1 Nephew; Kevin McCarthy.
She graduated from Immaculata Academy (1949). Her Catholic faith sustained her throughout her life. She moved to Seattle and attended college for approximately 2 years but then returned to Portland and entered the workforce. She began working for the railroad as an administrative assistant. Upon meeting and marrying her husband she moved to Reno, Nevada for his employment with Olympia Brewing Company (Sales Manager). In Reno, she became secretary to Mr. Harrah of Harrah's Casino. In 1967 her husband unexpectedly passed away from cardiac arrest and shortly after she returned to Portland, Oregon with her 3 year old daughter. She returned to work for Burlington Northern Railroad (now BNSF) where she worked for decades. After retiring, she moved from Portland to Vancouver, Washington. She lived there for 20 years until moving to Hilliard, Ohio to be nearer to her daughter, Tracy.
She was a woman before her time. Always forging her way in the world against social norms of the time regarding single working mothers. She bought a house on her own when banks would often not grant a mortgage to single working women let alone single mothers. She never remarried. She focused on work and her family including her mother who was also widowed nearly the same year as herself.
She enjoyed music, art, and occasionally painting and knitting. She had an unbelievable talent for interior decorating on a small budget. She made friends wherever she went and always saw the good in people. Her other big love in life was for animals. She rode and adored horses from a young age. She loved all animals but particularly had a soft spot for kitties. She had many pet cats in her lifetime.
She will be buried at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery next to her husband. A gathering for a Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.
She requested that any remembrances in lieu of flowers be made to animal charities such as the ASPCA, The National Humane Education Society (P.O. Box 340, Charles Town, WV 25414-0340/www.nhes.org, the Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary. P.O. Box 354, Chatham, NY, 12037-0354/www.equineadvocates.org, or your local rescue shelters.
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