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Katherine Patricia "Pat" Tatum

Katherine Tatum Obituary

Katherine ‘Pat’ Patricia TATUM Age 63, was born on January 30, 1944 to Seattle attorney George Leedy and Katherine Duffy Leedy and died on December 30, 2007 of ovarian cancer. She grew up in Burien, Washington and graduated from Highline High School in 1962 and from Stanford University 1966 with a BA in Art. She spent her junior year studying at the Stanford-in-Germany campus in Stuttgart, and traveled extensively throughout Europe at that time. She married John L. Tatum of Portland, Oregon and received her Masters in Teaching Arts at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Pat and John lived at Deepwood while she completed her Masters thesis on the preservation of historic homes in Salem. She lived for a time on the east coast and enjoyed the history, architecture and culture of the South. She and John settled in Detroit, Michigan where John worked for Ford Motor Company. In 1980 Pat married Robert Y. Kono in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1988 they moved from Queen Anne Hill in Seattle to Oso, along the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River. Pat became an avid organic gardener and grew to love the land of the Stillaguamish River Valley, as well as the eagles, deer, hawks, hummingbirds and fragrances of this beautiful land. There were also the floods, storms and power outages to consider as well. She was sensitive, smart, aesthetic, creative, organized and disciplined and had a passion for gardening. Pat loved creating many beautiful gardens at her home. She was proud to be a member of the Arlington Garden Club and enjoyed the meetings and the fellowship of its loving members. Pat had a soft spot for older people, young children and pets. She was preceded in death by her father George and mother Kay. Pat leaves behind her loving husband Bob of 27 years, her sister Jan Politeo (Steve) of Tacoma, her sister Anni Leedy (Kevin Dolan) of Seattle, her brother Bill Leedy (Patti Dempsey) of Oso, niece Morgan Dolan of Seattle, nephew Marcus Rohlfs (Melissa) of Tacoma, grand-nephew Cole Rohlfs, Uncle Ed Duffy of Glendale, California, Uncle Gil Duffy of Seattle and many loving cousins. At her request, there will be no service. A private gathering of family and friends will be held later in the year.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Feb. 24 to Feb. 25, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Laura Van Fleet

September 28, 2021

My name is Laura. I was 9 years old when I met Pat.
She had an ad at the Oso General Store for help on her property. I stayed working with her until I moved away at age 14. She taught me all she could about her gardens, she broadened my view of the world she and Bob had seen, which in Oso is unimaginable, she (Bob)even gave me my appreciation for the Seahawks!
I went on to do landscaping for over 10+ years and to keep the work ethic she so gently instilled. She was my friend and mentor. I think of her often and I wish I could have gotten to tell her to her face how much she influenced and changed my life for the better. She was, is, well loved and missed. I hope she rest well.

Robin Schmoyer Norman

March 27, 2008

Dear, dear Pat. I remember the day I met you.....3rd grade...Mrs Axtell. You had the longest eyelashes I'd ever seen. When we all trouped off to Charm School in Jr. High, you were the only one who didn't need it. (I know you're not really gone now... I can hear that wonderful laugh.)
To Bob, Janet, Anni and Bill, wern't we all lucky to have her in our lives? Her friendship was a most valued gift to me.

Anni Leedy

March 20, 2008

All of us siblings will be gathering soon for Easter Brunch, you know where... It will be the first time together since you passed away. I am sure that the pretty room where we'll be sitting will instantly remind us of you: your artistry & good taste, your beauty and delicacy, and your smarts...and your great loving heart, of course. We'll be missing you, but will carry you and all you taught us in our hearts. Thank you, sister dear.

Oliver Merriam

March 2, 2008

I am saddened to know that I will never see nor hear the delightful Patty again. She had such a light a touch, and she was such a wonderful lawn party hostess at her ancient house in Salem. Now she is a lovely memory, lost in time.

Arlington Library Staff

February 28, 2008

All of us at the Arlington Library will miss Pat. She was a bright spot in our day. Our condolences to Robert and family members.

John Tatum

February 24, 2008

My condolences to all the family. Pat's art and sensitivity enhanced all our lives.

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