Patricia “Pat” Connelly, 75, of Oak Harbor, passed away Jan. 1, 2003, at Home Place Special Care Center, Oak Harbor, after a long battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Pat was born Aug. 3, 1927, in Washington and raised her three children in California. She then moved back to Washington after her mother passed away. Pat, a native of Washington state, lived in Oak Harbor for the last 23 years. She worked for more than 20 years at Whidbey Manor retirement home.

Pat was an extraordinary woman and always ready with a joke or witty story. She had an outgoing personality and a gift for helping others. It was not uncommon for her to assist people with house sitting, dog sitting or mowing lawns. She was also an active lady who enjoyed nature, animals and hiking. Even throughout her illness, she kept her spirits up and had a good attitude towards others.

Pat is survived by her three loving children, Terry, Dave and Marty; grandchildren, Kaylyn, Jessica and Kyle; and daughters-in-law, Lynn and Sandy, who all reside in California. The children would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her many friends, Hospice Care workers, Visiting Angels and the employees of Home Place for all the caring and dedicated compassion during her last few months.

Pat was loved by all who knew her and she will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Pat’s memory to:

American Lung Assn. of Washington, 2625 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121, Attn: Memorials, (800) 732-9339 or Alzheimer’s Assn., 919 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, Attn: Acknowledgements.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 11 at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Rev. Ronald Belisle of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church will officiate.

During her 75 years, Pat touched many hearts and will be remembered for all the love and happiness she brought into the lives of those who were blessed to know her.

Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel. This obituary is at http://burley.plan4ever.com.