Patricia Casteel

Patricia Casteel, 79, of Aurora, Oregon passed away on February 7th, 2026.

She was surrounded by family and recently visited by friends and loved ones at her care-home in Milwaukie, Oregon.

Patti was born in Yakima Washington on March 3, 1946, to Elroy Cowley and Pauline (Schmidt) Cowley in Yakima, Washington on March 3, 1946. She was the first of two children. The family moved to the Lents neighborhood in Portland in 1948 where her sister Theresa was born in 1949. Patti went to Saint Peters Catholic Elementary School and then attended Marshall High School followed by Portland State University. Patti worked for the United States Postal Service in Portland, Oregon for several years as Secretary to the Postmaster. Patti met her husband James Casteel in 1968. They were married October 2nd, 1970, in Portland., Oregon Four years later they welcomed their first of three children. They raised their family on a small "farm" near in rural Aurora, Oregon where they had moved to be close to the Two Rivers Farm community: it was there that Patti formed many lifelong friendships that she carried with her into her final moments.

Patti loved her family. She lived and breathed their lives with them. She also genuinely loved all people. She loved meeting people and forming connections with them. If she had a chance to know you, she would remember you, think about you, ask about you and quite possibly likely remember your birthday, she had an amazing knack for remembering the little details. Patti had a lovely sense of humor and never complained. She was a beautiful soul.

Patti was a devoted mom, a homemaker, and a care giver. She liked to sew baby blankets, draw and paint, read, write letters and cards for special occasions, and sit by the river. She was happiest when surrounded by and talking to as well as be with her family. She even learned book binding at one point, and she was in a choir for many years. She loved piano and singing!!

Patti is survived by Jim Casteel (husband), Sons Jason (sp. Amanda) and, John (sp. Jill, and ) their two grandchildren children Emelina and Benjamin), and her daughter Sarah (sp. Brandon,) and grandchildren their two children Finley and Lucy); her sister Teri Murray, nieces Christine Logue and Karen Lautenbach and their children with who Patti has always been close to.

Patti is to be buried at Aurora Community Cemetery.

A Memorial/Celebration of Life is planned later within in the year, with more details to come.