Name: Celebration of Life for Patricia Kenney Schafer
Start: 2025-04-16T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-04-16T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Environmental Services Building

Patricia Kenney Schafer

December 19, 1943 - April 6, 2025

Steilacoom, Washington - Patricia Anne Kenney Schafer was born on December 19, 1943. She spent her early years in Steilacoom and returned to live in her hometown for several years prior to her death on April 6, 2025. Pat's deepest wish was to bring happiness to those around her. And she fulfilled that wish beautifully throughout her life. As a wife, mother, grandmother and friend she made everyone who knew her feel supported and loved.

Pat and Bud enjoyed over 50 years as each other's soulmate. Their love was an inspiration for many and anchored the family throughout the decades. As a mom and grandmother, she offered her unwavering support, thoughtful counsel, and taught us all that life was to be lived with intention, adventure should be sought, and striving for the impossible was possible.

She treated every season of life as a master class in possibilities. A trailblazer in her legal career, she broke barriers to become a partner at Gordon Thomas Honeywell. She earned her place with determination, grit and undeniable talent. Pat paved the way for generations of women to follow.

Pat was also an artist in every sense. She mastered the harp and filled rooms with music that moved many. Her quilts, crafted with care and creativity, became cherished heirlooms. Pat was a master gardener whose gardens featured stunning roses, bountiful fruit bushes and the occasional frog sculpture. And with her beloved dog, Baxter, she had a special companionship that spanned championship nose work to quiet moments as they traveled around the PNW.

She is survived by her husband, Bud. Five daughters: Heidi Urban (Kim Duhan), Amy O'Connor (Tim), Jill Jones, Linda Piccolotto, and Diane Sonneman (Art Maslow). Six grandsons: Denny Piccolotto (Gina), John O'Connor, Zack Aemmer, Nick Aemmer (Rachel), Patrick O'Connor (Kait), and Kevin O'Connor. Two great grandsons, Lincoln and Boston Piccolotto. And her brother Tom Kenney (Diane). She is predeceased by her parents Marvin and Marion Kenney.

She graduated from Clover Park High School in 1962. She earned her bachelor's degree in American studies from Washington State University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Puget Sound (Seattle University School of Law) in 1976.

An open house celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, April 16 from 1-4 p.m. at the Environmental Services Building in Chambers Bay. Brief remarks will be offered at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to the We Love Steilacoom Association (WLSA) food bank at 1030 Roe Street, Steilacoom, WA 98388. She was a regular volunteer there and committed to their mission.

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

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Apr. 10 to Apr. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Schafer

8 Entries

Nancy Knudsen

April 24, 2025

When you live in the same apartment building and on the same floor, you are closer neighbors than you ever could be living next door in a house. Pat, Bud, Heidi and Amy were a part of our lives with my daughter,Vikki, and husband, Lee. And this went on for years. We treasure all the things we did with Pat and all the laughs we had with three girls, all close in age and going to the school that was right next door. I am so proud of Pat getting her law degree while we were all living there. We miss you and celebrate everything you did, Pat.

Susan Hondros

April 24, 2025

I met Pat at the Gig Harbor Quilters Guild for quite some time through our love of quilting. She was an inspiration to me. Her vibrancy for life was always reflected in the rich colors of her quilts. I am eternally grateful I knew her. She is sweet, loving, and compassionate. She will be greatly missed.

Nancy Danko

April 21, 2025

Pat and I went to school together from first grade (Visitation Catholic School) through high school Clover Park High School). We lost touch and meet again when she married my cousin, Bud. She was always sweet, kind and loving.

Vikki Knudsen

April 20, 2025

My fondest memories of Pat are from when I was a young child. Pat´s daughter Heidi was my first friend at the age of 5, and I used to spend hours at their house playing. Amy came soon after, and we all grew up together spending hours at each other´s houses. Pat used to weave and she had a large loom that I was always so fascinated with. She made beautiful things and made me a vest. I always felt so welcome at Pat and Bud´s house, just like they were part of my family. I think about those times often and cherish those memories of a great childhood with Pat as part of my young life.

Kim

April 16, 2025

Pat was absolutely one of my very favorite people. I met Pat 13 years ago when I moved out to Washington to live with her daughter Heidi. I was quite nervous to meet her, as I´m shy and the quintessential definition of an introvert. The moment I met her I felt included. My tendency is to lurk in the shadows, close enough to be part of ,but far enough away to not have to mingle. She had the knack of pulling me out with questions, gently forcing my inclusion. I
will appreciate that forever.
We had wonderful discussions about hummingbirds, gardens, canning and baking bread.
The last time I was out west Heidi and I stayed at her home. One day she took us on a tour of her beloved
hometown. The house where she grew up, the school she went to, stores and shops and streets and hills, all with a story or a memory attached. I felt so special and honored to have been a small part of her journey that day.
One of the ways Pat always made me feel so special is that she never forgot my birthday. There was always a card and a present in the mail. Christmas too, but my birthday touched my soul. Heidi and I would choose some of her gifts together, always signed Heidi and Kim.
A few weeks ago I chose something for her on my own- a just because I´m thinking about you gift.the first time I had ever done that. It arrived the day after she passed. That she never even knew that I did that hurts. While I had told her several times how much she meant to me, it was always after a gift was sent. This gift was just because. And she´ll never know. She loved frogs- it was a coffee mug with frogs. A silly little thing really, but oh so much behind it.

Not being able to be out there to celebrate her life is devastating. Not being able to be part of the procession to accompany her to her final resting place is heartbreaking.

How utterly perfect that the small lilac bush she me five years ago when my mother passed, chose today, the day of Pat´s Life´s Celebration, to burst forth in all it´s glory- the very first time it has done so

Karen White

April 13, 2025

I met Pat about 20 years ago through our love of quilting. She was an inspiration to me. Her vibrancy for life was always reflected in the rich colors of her quilts. Every one of them expressed happiness and joy. I shall miss Pat deeply. She never failed to give me her listening ear and thoughtful expressions of compassion. My life was enriched by her friendship and I am eternally grateful I knew her.

Terry Holloway

April 13, 2025

Pat was a giving thoughtful friend who with Baxter will be lovingly held in my heart.

Don & Sandi Urban

April 11, 2025

I am so grateful to have shared some wonderful lifetime memories with Pat and so thankful we were lucky enough to have a beautiful daughter together. Her memory will always be in my heart.

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