Patricia M. Gile

Patricia M. Gile, known affectionately as Grammé, passed away peacefully on August 11th, 2024, at the young age of 95. Grammé was a strong, determined, and fiercely independent woman who lived a very long life, full of adventure, and made friends easily with her lively spirit and sharp wit. She led by example, teaching us important values, like always donating to different causes, and will be remembered for her unconditional love, dependability, and zest for life!

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Kirby Gile, whom she tragically lost to cancer in 1985; her parents, Albert McElvany and Bessie Meadowcroft; and most of her lifelong friends and extended family. She is survived by her two children: Barbara Peterson (Brad), and Bruce Gile (Christy); three grandchildren: Jessica Bridges, Melissa Gile, and Jennifer Gile; and beloved cousin, Jan Meadowcroft.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, on January 19th, 1929, her father had a secure job during The Great Depression, moving them to Indiana, PA, where she met her future husband before attending boarding school in NY at the Friends’ Academy. Her love of Chinese culture began here through her bond with the niece of the ruler, Chiang Kai-shek. She went on to study history and political science at Bucknell University, joining the Tri-Delta sorority, and graduating in 1951.

She returned home engaged, which ended shortly after reuniting with Kirby. They were married on May 29th, 1954, and moved to Berkeley, CA; Albany, NY; Doylestown, PA; Lexington, KY; and finally, Bellevue, WA. While in Albany, after great difficulty conceiving, they adopted two children – Barbara and Bruce. Patricia enjoyed many years as a stay-at-home mom before working, and in WA, she was quickly promoted to Technical Service Manager at Olympic Paint & Stain, which became Pittsburgh Plate Glass, allowing her to revisit her birth city before retiring.

She then moved to Providence Point, in Issaquah, WA, and lived there for over 20 years. She was an active member of her HOA, as a local community advisor, spent time on the board of directors, and was treasurer/VP to many committees: grounds, bookkeeping, budget planning, and, of course, decorations. Always the socialite, she loved playing bridge and attending happy hour with all of her friends, 3 of whom joined her in Maui every February for 13 years. They were such a dynamic group that the locals looked forward to their visits.

Patricia was an accomplished world traveler, amassing an impressive collection of authentic dolls from each country she visited, among other treasures, including much of the artwork she created with a variety of skills. For 15 years, she volunteered at the Bellevue Library Bookstore and decorated their display cases to feature different books, a monthly challenge she enjoyed, pouring so much care and attention to detail into each one that she made.

Patricia’s tenacious ability to overcome life’s storms was inspiring. After the loss of her husband, she learned to enjoy everything on her own, especially the simple things. She was always getting lost in a new book or watercolor painting. She never missed a crossword puzzle and often surprised us with her surplus of trivia knowledge.

Above all, she appreciated spending time with family and always went the extra mile to make these gatherings special. In her last 10 years, she spent as much time as she could in Lake Chelan with her daughter, joined also by her granddaughter every Mother’s Day weekend.

An intimate family gathering will be held in August (2025) to share mimosas and memories of her beautiful life and all that she accomplished.

If you would like to say a few words in memory of Patricia, please email [email protected]