Patricia Lee "Pat" Poppe

1936 - 2025

Mount Vernon - Pat Poppe passed away in her garden on April 24, 2025, at the age of 89. Pat was born in Lewiston, Idaho, to Barney Anderson and Lucy Stephenson. She was raised in the Alaskan territory and lived in Wrangell, Juneau, Skagway, Cordova, and Anchorage. She moved stateside to attend Washington State University. While in Pullman, she met her husband, Stan Poppe. Pat was married to Stan for 28 years. They moved to Monterey, California, Stevenson, Washington, and Federal Way, Washington before settling in the Skagit Valley. They had three children: Steve, Jeff, and Julie.

After her youngest started elementary school, she enrolled at Western Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Sociology and Anthropology degree. She then attained a Master of Social Work at the University of Washington and built a private clinical social work practice-a pioneering achievement for the time.

Pat was a life-long learner. She was known for her adages, which were often too well-timed and profound. She balanced this with her quick wit, which made the room erupt with laughter and smiles.

Pat loved the beach. She could not imagine living away from salt water. Deception Pass was a local favorite. She enjoyed countless trips to Maui, Hawaii, where she felt at home combing the beach for sea glass, shells, and listening to the waves crash. She enjoyed soaking in the rays of sunshine after years of Alaskan winters, maybe a little too much, and had to become diligent about applying sunscreen in later years.

Pat found peace and youthfulness in the garden-with the birds, floral scents, and an array of colors (though she preferred monochromatic bouquets), and constant squatting, bending, and hauling (who needs a gym?). Pat's love language was flowers and is known by many as "the flower lady." She wanted everyone to enjoy the beauty of her garden.

Pat built a diverse community over the 65 years she lived in the valley. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, often saying: "I've never met a stranger; only a friend I haven't met." Those who had the honor of meeting Pat understand.

Pat poured her heart, soul, and feisty spirit into all that she did, touching many lives throughout her journey. Pat died doing what she loved, tending to her Begonias.

Pat is proceeded in death by her parents Barney and Lucy Anderson, sister Sue Hahn, and former husband Stan Poppe. Pat is survived by her three children Steve (Carol) Poppe, Jeff Poppe, and Julie Shipman, grandchildren Derek Poppe, Nikki Moran, Ryan Poppe, Bryanne Culbertson, Tory Poppe, Greg Shipman, and Drew Shipman, and eight great grandchildren. Pat is also survived by her brothers, Mike Anderson, Jim Anderson, and John Anderson.

Pat lived every day to the fullest. We will celebrate her life on July 21st at 10:00 AM at Hillcrest Lodge (1717 S 13th St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274). In lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to the Association of Firefighters for Cedardale Fire Department (PO Box 753, Conway, WA, 98238). Pat appreciated the department's skills, professionalism, and compassion, especially in her later years.