Patricia Joan Seeliger May 25, 1935 – March 08, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers View/Sign Guest Book| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card Patricia (Patty) Joan (Porter) Seeliger of Walla Walla, WA. passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 8, 2019 at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center. Patricia was born on May 25, 1935 in Walla Walla to Theodore and Blanche Porter.
Patty’s family lived in various places and she attended many different schools as she was growing up: Spokane; Pasco; Richland; Sand Point, ID; finally settling in Walla Walla. Her parents Blanche and Ted owned Porter’s Cafe until 1958 and later that year purchased and operated Porter’s New York Store until they retired in 1974. Patty graduated from Walla Walla High School, 1953, going on to attend and graduate from Sacred Heart School of Nursing, Spokane, WA.
in 1956, where she received her Registered Nursing Degree. She returned to Walla Walla where she worked as a registered nurse at the old St. Mary’s Hospital. Patty met Jim Seeliger at a mutual friend’s house where they knew it was love at first sight.
Later that night, he drove Patty back to her house. Jim, known to his friends as “JJ”, called her the next day for a date and the rest was history. They were married on September 14, 1957, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Walla Walla; they moved to Pasco, WA.
for two years. Patty worked at Our Lady of Lourdes while Jim completed his college degree at Columbia Basin Junior College. They returned to Walla Walla where they lived for 60 years.
They raised four daughters Lori, Shelley, Jody and Terri, while Patty worked for a short time at the old St. Mary’s Hospital. Patty then went to work part-time as a Registered Nurse at Park Manor Nursing Home. She worked there for 20 years, retiring in 1990.
Patty was fortunate enough to care for her parents until their passing. One of the family favorite traditions every summer was vacationing in Seaside, OR; the tradition still carries on today with their daughters and their families. Patty was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church and Alter Society.
She also served as Treasurer for her Walla Walla High School Class Alumni group for many years. Patty was a DeSales booster club member and a devout supporter of DeSales Catholic High School. Patty loved watching her nine grandchildren participate in sports: volleyball, wrestling, basketball, track, dance, football and softball along with jazz concerts and church functions.
After all of the grandchildren graduated, Patty and Jim continued to attend many DeSales games, functions and fundraisers throughout the years. Patty was an avid reader and crossword puzzle buff. Upon retirement, she and Jim enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Florida Keys, whale watching, view the fall colors on the U.S. East Coast, as well as going on fun trips to California and touring the Western U.S. Patty and Jim continued to vacation in Seaside, OR as it was one of their favorites places.
One of her greatest loves was the visits from children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Patty was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend! She will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her!
Patty is survived by her loving husband James Seeliger; children: Lori Brewer (Chris); Shelley Jones (Monty); Jody Yancey (Judd),Terri Ferrel (Greg); 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews; and two sisters: Sally Schierman and Barbara Patrick (Blair). She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Blanche Porter. The family would like to thank Park Manor for the loving care she received during her time there.
Patty’s family has been avid supporters of the annual Walla Walla Alzheimer’s Walks, helping raise money to find a cure to end this horrific disease. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held March 23, 2019 at Assumption of the Blesses Virgin Mary Church at 9:30AM; the Memorial Mass will follow at 10:00AM. Inurnment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Memory Garden.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
