Patricia (Pat) Stowe passed away on Friday, March 8th, with family by her side. She was 96 years and counting. Pat was born in Burbank, CA, on June 19, 1927. She attended North Hollywood schools, but when the family moved to Fullerton, she finished her high school and AA degrees at the same time at Fullerton Junior College (an early version of Running Start).

The time was late 1946, the end of WWII, when servicemen were returning and restarting their lives. Enter Tom Stowe .  He was still in the Navy but attended a Methodist Youth Fellowship gathering at Pat's home and was smitten with the tall brunette.  Pat and Tom were married in less than a year.  Pat's father had one condition, which was that Tom promised that his daughter would finish her college education. They found a cheap apartment near UCLA. Tom finished his degree in business, while Pat completed a B.A. in Fashion Retailing.

Their early life together was centered in Southern California, from Shell Beach to Fullerton to Lake Arrowhead to Dana Point and finally here in Anacortes for the past 32 years. They had five children and enjoyed an active family life.  As parents, they instilled many values -especially education. They were insistent their children attain a college degree, which was fulfilled with several pursuing additional degrees or certificates.

Pat was a natural as a mother - sewing clothes and costumes, participating in PTA, Girl and Boy Scout activities, sports, etc. The family traveled throughout the U.S. by trailer, and there were many interesting "destination" vacations.

When Tom opened his own appraisal practice, she was his partner in every sense.  She was a 75-year legacy member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), frequently participating as an officer in chapters in California and Anacortes.  This philanthropic, educational organization supports women at all stages of life but also raises money for women's education.  She followed in the footsteps of her grandmother, mother, aunt, and cousins and was proud to see three daughters and two granddaughters join her in P.E.O.

Pat followed her father's interest in politics and kept up to date on candidates and issues. In California she was elected to chair the Inland Empire Republican Women's organization. Upon arriving in Skagit County, she helped found the Skagit County Republican Women.  Her focus was always on issues awareness and promoting voter registration no matter the party.

More recently, Pat was happy to be surrounded by her family and friends, following the activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed her view of the Sound and Deception Pass. She tried never to miss a WSU or UCLA football game or a Gonzaga basketball game, wearing appropriate sweatshirts to cheer on her favorite teams. She touched a great many people and offered quiet, sage advice when asked.

Pat is survived by her five children, Vicki Stowe, Julie Boyce, Tom Stowe, Terri Jones, and Anna Gartwyl, their spouses, her eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration Service on April 6 at 2 PM at the Anacortes Christian Church.

Donations may be made to the Tom Stowe Scholarship, c/o ASF, 2200 M Ave., Anacortes, 98221; or Washington State Chapter P.E.O., specify the PCE Fund, c/o Mindy Lincicome, Exec. Asst., 18222 NE 28th Street, Redmond, WA 98052.

Please share memories of Pat by signing her online guest register and bookmark this direct link to her memorial site: https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/pat-stowe .