Patricia HUTCHINSON

Pat went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2025.

She was born on November 3, 1943, in Buckley, Washington, second child to Maybelle Julia Gervais and Patrick Fredrick McHugh.

After her mother's death, Pat and her two brothers were raised by their Aunt Irene and Uncle Brooks Payne. Pat graduated from Bishop Dennis J. O'Connell High School in Arlington, VA, in 1962. After which she went on to nursing school at De Paul Hospital, graduating in 1965.

She made an active decision to join the Army to "do all she [could] in Viet Nam." She was assigned to the 93rd Evacuation Hospital in Vietnam. After her tour of duty overseas, she was assigned to Kenner Army Hospital, Fort Lee, VA. She continued to work as a nurse in a variety of places before moving back to Washington State.

In Washington, she enjoyed exploring the natural environment, hiking, animal watching, canoeing, and skiing. She and Dean (William Dean Hutchinson, her future husband) met on the slopes and continued enjoying nature together, camping and exploring throughout the western U.S. They married on November 2, 1974. Their two sons were born in 1976 (Richard) and 1978 (Hugh). Pat continued to work part-time in nursing until 1982.

In 1982, Dean was offered a Postmaster position in the remote community of Tok, AK. Pat was ever supportive of Dean's dreams and goals, and so the family moved north. Due to the remote nature of the community, there was no real possibility of continuing her nursing career. She spent her time on a number of community organizations and on teaching her sons the many ways that you could live off the land.

In 2001, Pat and Dean relocated to Plummer, ID, to care for Dean's ailing mother. Once again, Pat jumped into any community organizations that needed help and whose values coincided with hers. She was active in the American Legion, the Worley Community Church, and the Plummer Friends of the Library. Embracing their Christian values, she and Dean would invite those in need into their home when help was needed. This practice started in Alaska and continued in Plummer, a demonstration to their sons that loving your neighbor was something that would bring joy to not just those in need, but to yourself as well.

She was preceded in death by her parents, older brother, and husband. She is survived by her brother, Charles R. McHugh (wife Fumi) of Bangkok/Osaka; sons, Hugh L. Hutchinson (wife Alexandra) of Davenport, Florida, and Richard A. Hutchinson (wife Ashley) of Greenville, North Carolina; grandchildren, William Dean and Addison Grace; and a large family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral service will be Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Yates Funeral Home, at 744 N. 4th Street, Coeur d'Alene, ID. Interment will be at Pleasant View Cemetery. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.