Pat R. Starkovich

When my family lived on Vashon (in a trailer behind their house), the Columbus day storm hit. I was terrified! The trailer was rocking back and forth, the wind was horrific. Mom struggled to walk with Rusty and me in tow, but we made it to their house. Aunt Pat picked me up and cradled me until I stopped shaking and crying. She got me one of Uncle Georges warm shirts. I knew then that I was always safe with Aunt Pat. I sure miss her and think of her often, and always smile at the great...

I wish that EVERY child had an Aunt like Pat was to me, so genuine. I so miss her.
I also wish that EVERY child had an Uncle like George was to me, so gruff, so tender. I so miss him too.

Pat and George were the lodestone of the true north of progressivism. You could always check yourself by listening to both of them. Pat was forceful and compassionate. She brought Richard into their lives and gave him a real family for the rest of his life. And, she was the center point of their extended family about which all else orbited. We will miss her.

My favorite memory of Aunt Pat was when she played a vinyl LP of "Peter and the Wolf" while letting my brothers play with "Pick-up Sticks" and had them read books, while I got to play with the Lincoln Logs! (unheard of in those days for a 'girl' to build anything). She always made me feel as if I could do anything. I loved her whispered chuckles, the nose-wrinkles when she smiled or laughed, the warm and tender hugs that she always gave freely. I'm going to miss getting my butt kicked by her...

Pat is present in memories throughout my life, starting when she and George lived in a duplex above my folks. "Strength, humor, twinkle, perspective, hug." -These are a few of the words that hold Pat in my mind. I am sending my own version of those sentiments back to all who are missing her and grieving her loss, with a bit of a Pat chuckle for good measure as well. Love, Mariah

Patty,
I never had the pleasure of meeting either of your parents... but they had to have been some of the best, top-notch, most kind-hearted people on this planet because this is also how I would describe you! My thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time and always. I'm so sorry for your loss. XOXO

One of my mom's greatest gifts to me was seeing her personal strength, as well as her world view.
A favorite quote:
If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? (Rabbi Hillel)