Patricia J Cristelli

Patricia passed away August 30, 2024, in Bothell, WA at the age of 99. She was born in Wagner, SD to James and Ethel Jordan, the fourth and youngest child.

Pat spent her early years in Tyndall, SD. When a second grader, the family moved to Worthington, SD. She became involved in the debate team in high school, where she eventually went to the state final and then to a regional final in 1942 in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from Worthington High School in 1942. These debate skills would be well used and honed through the remainder of her days. In 1943, she and her parents moved to Ogden, UT. Shortly after arriving in Utah, she joined the war effort working at Defense Depot Ogden until spring of 1947. In subsequent years, her career path would take her to positions with the IRS and US Census Bureau, and as a bookkeeper for the family business for 15 years. She retired from the IRS in 1985.

Widowed in 1992, she remained in Utah until the spring of 1995 when she moved to the Seattle, WA area to be near her children and grandchildren.

Patricia became deeply involved in a myriad of organizations during her life. Being merely a member was not enough. She was fully engaged in the Council of Catholic Women, Democratic Party politics, PTSA, Utah Amateur Hockey Association, and Homeless Women’s outreach, Peace and Justice Commission, among many others. She was at her best when giving and helping others.

She strongly believed that everyone deserves a good life filled with opportunity, love, friendship and equal opportunity. She was a rare person that truly did not see color, race, creed or disability. She would say, “The substance of your character is what mattered most.” She was an advocate for civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights, poverty eradication, and literacy and education for everyone.

She was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She carried on a deep family tradition of the love of reading. “Reading is the key to everything” was a mantra growing up. The library was one of our favorite places to go. That same love for learning and growth she instilled in her own children as well as her grandchildren. She spent much of her 29 years in Washington being an ever-present, doting grandmother.

Pat was never one to miss an event for anyone, anytime. Her volunteer, church and political work continued well into her late 80’s. “Pepper Pot Patty” (as her siblings called her) may have slowed down a bit, but that feisty, energetic lady was still there. That certain sparkle in her eyes. Patricia had a wonderful life well lived – spanning two millennia. Forever in our hearts, may you rest in peace.

She was preceded in death by her siblings; James Jr., Marjorie, and Jeanne along with her husband Virgil (Chris). Patricia is survived by her daughter Ruthanne and her husband Dave, son John and his wife Diane, granddaughters, Danielle, Alexis, Brittney, Amanda, and Skyler, and four great grandsons. Also her niece, Barbara Larsen; nephews, David and Dennis Donahoe and their families, along with many extended family members and friends in California, Iowa, Washington, and beyond.

In lieu of flowers, Pat Cristelli has requested that donations be made to the following organizations.

Saint Jude   https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

Catholic Charities https://donate.catholiccharitiesusa.org

ASPCA   https://secure.aspca.org/donate