Patricia Jean Hansen

This awesome, energetic and feisty woman, surrounded by those who loved her most, sailed off to seas unknown on December 14, 2025.

Born in Seattle, WA on February 14, 1941 to Esther Mittelstadt Allen and Bruce Dewitt Allen, little Patty grew up in Ballard and widely was known as a vibrant and talkative child - much to the chagrin of her teachers who, although charmed by her, frequently asked her to quit talking in class.

A 1959 graduate of Ballard High School, Pat began her lifelong love of travel and meeting new people during a high school trip through Europe, where she forged many lifelong friends. Always up for adventure, she loved plane, train and automobile travel of all kinds. Never described as a shrinking violet, her motto in life was "I don't know any strangers, just friends I haven't met yet."

A woman with a huge heart and a winning smile, you always knew when Pat walked into a room. Walking into a party held by friends, she met and quickly won the heart of Berger "Buff" Hansen, whom she married on April 22, 1962. Together they welcomed two, children, Stacey and Scott.

Pat and Buff (who preceded her in death on October 25, 2007), along with their kids, and eventually grandchildren, were avid boaters, spending decades creating cherished family memories sailing throughout the San Juan Islands and British Columbia. Her boating life sparked a love of salmon sport fishing, which she pursued avidly for the last 25 years of her life. The highlight came in 2019 when she won the Painter's Lodge Women's Salmon Derby, a feat she was immensely proud of.

A quick learner filled with confidence, Pat often proclaimed - not quietly - that she "was never qualified for any job she got" (sorry employers!). Pat worked most of her life in the computer world, beginning with Dictaphone, Pitney Bowes, law offices, and later bringing her skills to Eddie Bauer, where she worked until retirement.

In 1987, Pat and Buff left the landlubber life behind and moved aboard their beloved sailboat, Midnight Sun. After joining the Puget Sound Yacht Club, Midnight Sun moved to the club dock in 1991, a place she called home until her death. Pat dove headfirst into the club activities, serving on several committees over the years. Rising through the ranks, she proudly served as Commodore of Puget Sound Yacht Club in 2005, and remained an active member throughout her life.

Never one to let moss grow under her feet, Pat loved theater and spent many years as a volunteer at The Edmonds Driftwood Players. There you could find her producing plays, running lights, or coordinating front-of-house staff. Always skillful at getting people to join the fun, those who were unwittingly - but happily - recruited to work on a production fondly coined the term of "being Patted", which became one of her many legacies.

Pat - affectionately known as "Grandma Ducky" - loved her family fiercely. She is survived by her children Stacey and Scott; grandchildren Ashley and Holly; great grandchildren, Reghan, Dylan, Wesley and Gillian; as well as many dear friends and colleagues. Although heartbroken by the loss of our "Ducky" we are buoyed by the many joyful memories, and stories, she leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00-4:00pm on February 1, 2026, at Puget Sound Yacht Club, 2321 N Northlake Way, Seattle.