Rosemary Patten

Rosemary Irene Patten was born in Graceville, Minnesota, daughter of Carl and Lenore Fasching, Her father was a journalist, writing for and publishing local newspapers in western Minnesota, her mother a nurse. Rosemary and her siblings, Jerome, Rollie, and Joann enjoyed a simple and peaceful childhood with loving parents. She met Gordon Elmer Patten and decided to take the plunge, and create all of us who followed; sons Dan and Jim, and daughters Jane (Herman), and Ellen (McIlvanie), and all of our progeny. She moved with Gordon from small-town Minnesota, to not-so-small-town Yakima where “everyone doesn’t know what you are doing” to start a new life as the wife of a chiropractor, when that was risky business. They joined St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, which was a major part of her life, in both devotion and service. They moved to a house that was not too far from any of the schools, so that the kids could walk to school. Embracing Yakima as “home”, Rosemary living there for 65 years, they cultivated friendships through the catholic church, a local boating club, and most recently, her “coffee friends” at Ballesteri’s Cafe. Our house was often filled with friends of Gordon and Rosemary’s for holiday parties . Children’s friends were always welcome and greeted with warmth and cookies. Our mother created “the home” when all the holidays arrived, as extended family was back in Minnesota. Our mom, like most everyone’s mom, is one of the most precious things that we could ever have. She was passionate in her love for her children, and in our minds, did not have faults, or doubts, or imperfections. In her passing, we only remember her bright points, like Tuna Casserole, Jello molds, April fools pranks, or bad jokes, or asking us about our first date at the high school Tolo…(I hated that)…we shall all miss what she was in her prime, and bless her on, in her receding years, when life wasn’t so sunny. It is hard to say goodbye to someone you love, but that is exactly what we, as a family must do now. Goodbye Rosemary, you will live with us in our hearts. A Vigil Service has been scheduled for Tuesday June 27th from 4-7pm with the Reciting of the Rosary to begin at 5:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday June 28th AT 10:00am at St. Paul’s Cathedral with burial at Calvary Cemetery to follow. "The Patten family wishes to thank The Ellen House Adult Family Home for the loving care offered to Rosemary during her stay with them." Please visit www.ValleyHillsfh.com to share a memory or condolence with the family. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rosemary Patten, please visit our flower store.