Obituary

Our beloved mother, Patricia M. Johnson, was called home by our Lord on Saturday, September 3, 2016. Surrounded by love, Patty passed away peacefully at her Bellingham home with her son, Chet, and her daughter, Claire, at her side. Patty was 94 years of age.

Good-natured, intelligent, nurturing, and fun, Patty was a delight to spend time with. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, a loyal friend and mentor. Patty had an artistic flair, loved to read a good book, was a gracious hostess and a wonderful cook. Family and friends, when stopping by Patty’s inviting home for a visit, could always count on there being lively conversation, lots of laughter, a nice cup of tea with something delicious from Patty’s kitchen that she had just whipped up, and a devoted Mini or Giant Schnauzer nearby. For many years, Patty volunteered as a docent at the Whatcom Museum of History and Art. She acted as a docent president and enthusiastically participated in events that helped to support and promote the museum. Patty enjoyed antiques and belonged to a fun-loving group of women who called themselves “The Junkers”. Gardening in her beautiful yard and being involved with her Garden Club group brought Patty joy.

After graduating from Bellingham High School in 1939, Patty attended the University of Oregon, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Patty met her future husband, Glenn K. Johnson, at BHS. Glenn attended Washington State University and Kings Point U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Patty and Glenn married at the end of WWII. They happily made their home in Bellingham on the South Hill, where their 3 children were born. Over the course of their 63-year marriage, Patty and Glenn traveled extensively and enjoyed sharing many interests and hobbies together.

Patty was born in Bellingham, Washington to parents Donald and Clara Mead, in the home of her grandparents. The physician at Patty’s birth was her grandfather, C.A. Mead, MD. Patty was raised on the South Hill, attending church and schools in the area. With an interest in genealogy, Patty was able to trace her roots in this country back to the year 1631 as a descendent of Thomas Mayhew of Martha’s Vineyard.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her children: daughter Claire Wolfe (Dave), sons Chet and Mead Johnson; and by her grandsons and families. Patty will be dearly missed by her family and her many friends who loved her.

Per Patty’s request, there will not be a public memorial service. If you wish, please consider a donation in Patty’s memory to the Whatcom Museum of History and Art, Whatcom Hospice, the Whatcom Humane Society, or to a favorite charity of your choice.