Obituary of Patricia Dodds

After bravely facing 4 1/2 years of PSP Palsey, a rare neurological disease, Patricia Dodds passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. Patricia was born on August 29, 1930 in Toledo, Oregon, the first of two daughters to Hugh and Aleta Walter.  She had an older half sister named Enid whom she adored.  Sadly, two short years later, she and baby sister Dolores were to lose first their mother, to a severe infection, and then their older sister Enid who was taken by her birth father.   The family eventually settling in Eugene, Oregon where Pat attended High School.  It was in Eugene that Pat met and married William E. Dodds.  Pat and Bill raised 5 children together in the Portland area; from St Johns to the fondly remembered Hollywood district, 40th street house.  Many, many happy days were spent there with family, friends and fantastic food, that Pat could conjure up out of a simple pantry and the will to do so.  It was there too on 40th street, that Pat and Bill's family would be enriched and enlarged with the addition of two more teen aged daughters. Pat loved to nurture and care for her family, and any person (or animal for that matter), who happened across her path.  Most of all she delighted in sharing of the love of Jesus; her anchor, Savior and Lord.  Giving happily of her "free time", Pat led many Daily Vacation Bible School classes in her home, taught Sunday School in the Portland Alliance and Grace Foursquare Church, and always had a listening ear and a fitting word of encouragement to give. At the age of 39 Pat enrolled in the nursing program at Portland Community College.  She graduated receiving her RN license with honor.  Pat proceeded to practice her nursing full to part time, while faithfully attending to the needs of her family.  Her nursing career spanned the next 25 years, firstly at OHSU clinical Research Unit as charge nurse and eventually focusing on care of the elderly. When She and Bill built a home in Neskowin, Oregon, Pat worked as a home care nurse, quitting this only to care for her bed-ridden aunt in their home. In 1990 Pat moved to a small home in Camas, Washington situated nearer her daughters and son.  She lived there for several years.  Eventually, poor health led to a move into the home of her youngest daughter Dorrie and family in Washougal.  She was to enjoy the fun and fellowship of a full house and a large family once again. Though seriously battling this frightful disease, Patricia continued to greet each day with a smile and gratitude to the Lord of life.  It was here in her beloved hillside home overlooking the flowing Washougal river, where her Savior came for her. Patricia leaves behind: 1 son - Bill (& Karen) Dodds of Gresham Or, 6 daughters - Christine (& Bruce) Hammer of Tacoma WA,  Alona (& David) Schultz  of Camas WA, Kitty (& Rob) Beck of Langley BC, Dorrie (& Merv) Best of Washougal WA, Vienna (&Oscar) Lucas of Redmond WA & Dollie (& David) Robin of Spokane WA, 28 grandchildren & 18 great grandchildren A moving photo memorial of Pat's life can be found on www.youtube.com (search for Patricia Dodds Final Tribute). A celebration of Patricia's life was held on Saturday, October 3rd at Grace Foursquare Church in Camas. Vault interment was held at Sunnyside Cemetery in Washougal. Brown's Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Camas have been entrusted with arrangements.