Ms. Patricia Lynn Patricia Hoppe Epler

      If there was ever a person who wanted to heal all the wrongs in the world, it was Patricia Lynn Epler. She was an idealist who sought to bring harmony to those around her. Even though Patricia was enthusiastic and generous, it was sometimes difficult for her to boast about her accomplishments. Patricia had strong personal convictions, making it hard for her to relinquish those ideals she held dearest to herself. Despite her outer strengths and beliefs, Patricia sometimes struggled in her efforts to see the world as completely positive. Patricia's life motto was always to hope for the best and work hard towards that end, but be prepared for some of life's disappointments.

      Patricia was born on January 26, 1947 at Unionville Hospital in Unionville, Michigan. Her parents were Herbert and Esther Hoppe. Patricia was raised in Lake Orion, Michigan. She was a compassionate person, a quality that she would carry with her throughout her life. Even at a young age, Patricia was sensitive to her parents' moods and worked hard to please them and live up to their expectations.

      Throughout her life, Patricia showed a remarkable ability to mend relationships. This was true even with her siblings. Patricia was caring, diplomatic and tolerant of the feelings of those around her. Patricia was raised with five siblings. She had two older sisters, Betty and Carol, and three younger sisters, Sally, Lynette and Robin. Patricia was constantly involved in activities with her sisters. Patricia and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      High school was a time for Patricia to seek out knowledge. She enjoyed learning and had a natural interest in gathering information. Patricia took her education seriously. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English.

      While those who did not know her well found Patricia to be somewhat reserved until they got to know her, she was an authentic and devoted friend. Patricia was a tranquil person, with an easygoing and open-minded attitude towards life. She presented a pleasant face to the outside world but concealed the pain and discomfort she felt over her own friends' difficulties. Patricia sought to achieve harmony with everyone and possessed the ability to mend conflicts and avoid interpersonal struggles. While growing up, some of her best friends were Beverly Cox, Joanne Harecher, and her younger sister Sally. Later in life, she became even closer to Sally, her sister until she passed away. Her current friends are Jennifer, Debbie and many others at the places she would visit.

      The desire for romance was always present in Patricia's life. She succeeded in finding it in the Spring 1966, when Patricia exchanged wedding vows with David Leroy Epler at the Oxford Church in Oxford, Michigan. Her deep loyalty and a strong commitment to her vows brought a sense of completeness to their marriage.

      Patricia was a gentle person who held deep feelings for her children. She enjoyed having fun with her kids and was at times fiercely protective of them. Patricia showed great empathy in her willingness to give every family member a voice in family decisions. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, David and Holly.

      Blessed with a strong sense of integrity, Patricia was as loyal and committed in her work as she was in the rest of her life. Patricia worked well with fellow employees and showed great cooperation in reaching common goals. Though she had a tendency to take on too many tasks, herself; Patricia showed great patience with complicated situations. She was ingenious and trusted her intuition. Patricia always seemed to be able to get the job done. She was most comfortable working on the projects and jobs that she strongly supported. Her primary occupation was in housekeeping. She was employed for several years at Life Care Center of West Seattle, and some other various housekeeping jobs. Patricia always tried to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Patricia enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were cross-stitching, crochet, and needle point. Patricia was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but she was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Patricia's tremendous enthusiasm for the activities she enjoyed also influenced the pleasure she drew from sports. Patricia also enjoyed watching sports and liked following her favorite teams whenever she got the chance to do so. Tops on her list were baseball and football. She liked the Seattle Mariners and the Detroit Lions. She was growing to like the Seattle Seahawks.

      Patricia took all of her personal and moral obligations seriously. Patricia was a strong defender of her faith. She was a member at the Church By the Side of the Road, and later at Sunrise Church.

      Patricia enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. Taking trips provided the chance for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and see new things. Favorite vacations included going to Disneyland with family. She also enjoyed taking trips back home to visit her family. She also enjoyed trips to Seaside, Oregon with Lynn and Holly.

      Patricia was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Patricia's favorites was Tigger her cat. They were best friends for ten years. Her family was rounded out by her cat and a rat named Samantha.

      Patricia passed away on July 14, 2007 at Harborview Medical Center. She had an untimely auto accident. She is survived by her children, Lynn, Patrick, and Cliffton; her grandchildren, David and Holly; her three sisters, Betty, Carol and Robin, and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life was held at the home of her daughter, Lynn and her husband Ron, on July 22, 2007 at 1:00 pm. Patricia was laid to rest at Riverton Crest Cemetery on July 23, 2007.

      Patricia Lynn Epler was someone who was able to see the world as a good and honorable place. She viewed the people who inhabited it as essentially good. A person who tended to see the world in terms of black and white, Patricia tried to focus on the good she saw, knowing that there were times she would have to compromise. She was selfless and deeply committed to all things positive and good. Patricia was a person who would keep her eye on tomorrow and constantly held onto her dreams. It was this exceptional insight and quiet reserve, that became Patricia's trademark qualities for all who knew her, and it was one of the many reasons why all who knew her loved Patricia Lynn Epler.