Patricia "Patti" Ann Devin

Patricia Ann (Young) Devin passed away peacefully at home on April 9th, at the age of 95. While greatly missed by her family and friends, she was ready to leave her earthly body and enter her Lord's heavenly kingdom, joining her husband of 69 years, Dan Devin, her beloved sisters, Jan (Carlson) and Kay (Taverniti), and many others.

The Young sisters, including Patti, grew up in Seattle, the three lively daughters of Florence (Chalmers) Young and Robert G. Young. Their stories of girlhood fun, at a cabin near Mt. Rainer, attending the Water Follies at Greenlake, and organizing school dances at Roosevelt High School entertained their children and grandchildren endlessly. Patti strengthened her Christian faith through her involvement at University Presbyterian Church, where, early on, she met her future life partner, Danny Devin. Both attended Whitworth College in Spokane for two years and returned to graduate from the University of Washington, where Patti was a Pi Phi sorority sister. Patti majored in Education; jumped into teaching Kindergarten and became a life-long teacher, never looking back.

In 1952, Patti and Dan finally tied the knot, confirming not only their life-long love and commitment, but also cementing Patti's warm and loving relationship with her in-laws, Helen Hogue and William F. Devin, who had been Seattle's mayor from 1942 to 1952. Helen and Bill became a beloved second family with Patti enjoying regular Sunday family dinners and vacations with the "Devin clan," including visits to Kalaloch Lodge at the ocean, and to Early Winters in the Methow Valley, where Dan's brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Grace Devin, laid down roots.

After marrying in 1952, Patti boarded a freighter to Europe, where Dan was in the service. Few Army wives chose to join their spouses abroad, but Patti counts her year living in a small German town as a cherished adventure. Once back in Seattle, as their family grew to three children, Patti was a nurturing, involved, and enthusiastic mom. Family summers were spent on Bainbridge Island, first at rented cabins and eventually, Patti's determination to find a full-time summer cabin for the family led to their owning a small place on the Sandspit at Pt. Monroe. The cabin, full of duck trinkets and artifacts from years of July Fourth celebrations, was one of Patti's happy places for the rest of her life. Many memories of days filled with family, friends, and fun remained there for her.

Patti continued her teaching by opening a Preschool called "Be Four Kindergarten" in the lower level of their Seattle home. Many generations of children attended three mornings a week, enjoying art, music, and learning the skills of playing together from "Mrs. Devin". While teaching and raising her family with Dan, Patti kept busy with an investment group, book club, volunteering at Children's Orthopedic Hospital, playing bridge, and attending evening classes at the UW. She was a sewer, knitter, baker, gardener, and was always trying out a new craft.

For 50 years, Patti belonged to the Women's University Club, enjoying social events, programs, and classes. She served on the Board as Program Chairman. She added to her already large group of close friends, joining a group of eight women who made several trips to Europe together. In retirement, Dan and Patti enjoyed numerous travel adventures together as well - world cruises, trips to China, Sun Valley, and Maui. They both loved learning the history and living the culture of new places.

Patti's love of family led her to form close relationships with all of her nieces, her nephew, and of course, her four grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Many "Young" family gatherings and beach reunions were highlights. Auntie/Grandma Patti took a keen interest in what all of her family members were doing and enjoyed her close relationship with each person.

The last chapter of Patti's life brought her to the community at Ida Culver House Broadview, where she and Dan moved in 2013. After Dan died in 2021, Patti continued to make new friends, enjoy weekly visits with family, and travel to the beaches of Bainbridge and Hawaii. Mom lived a full and beautiful life. She had a sharp sense of humor, a desire to help whenever she could, a quiet wisdom, a strong and personal faith, and a huge amount of love that she showered on family and friends.

Patti is survived by her daughters Melinda (Lanham), Julia, and son David (Laura), along with 4 grandchildren, Anna Deal (Mark), Ellie (Peter) Cowal, Bradley, and Daniel, and two great-grandchildren, Evan and Lewis.