Pat Horner Chatt
August 9, 1925 - Janury 15, 2006.
Written by David Chatt
At 5:00pm on January 15, 2006 Patricia Jo Horner Chatt, or Pat Chatt, as we knew her, left her body and her burdens surrounded by the love that she had created in her life. Pat was a mother, wife, teacher, nurse, and tireless humanitarian. Pat and her husband Orville had six children and many great friends who count themselves as family. Each of us has memories of great conversations often shared over some incredible meal that she had prepared. Pat had a generous sole. Her love for people was only matched by the love that she received. Those of us who shared her life marvel at her accomplishments. As busy as she was she always had time to volunteer for a worthy cause, prepare a meal for friends, or just sit with someone who needed a listener. She loved good books and read two newspapers every day. Her love of reading and interest in the world helped her to form the deeply felt opinions that she would share readily with just a bit of encouragement. Even if you didn’t share her opinions it was hard to deny the heart and intellect that went into forming them.
Pat was born to Edna and Oliver Horner in Kansas City KA on August 9th 1925. She was the third of six children. Her siblings were Martha Horner Winters, John Horner, Dwight Horner, Eileen Horner Bell, and William Horner. She is survived by Dwight, Eileen and Bill who make there homes in Kansas. Pat studied Nursing at University of Kansas and after graduating worked as Supervisor of Nursing at Passavant Hospital in Chicago, Ill. It was here that she met Orville who she married on Jan 14th 1951. Pat was married 55 years and one day. Her children and their spouses are: Beth (Tim) Mcgurran. Julie Chatt Erickson, Mark (Susie) Chatt, Scott (Cheryl Terry) Chatt, David Chatt and his longtime companion Ron Cole all live in Washington State. Her youngest son, Jay, preceded her death in 1982. She was a grandmother to Kevin, Rob, Tyler, Stephanie and Kim Crye. Katie and Ryan Erickson and Jennifer, Michael, Marissa and Sara Chatt. She also had three Great grandchildren Devon and Kayle Crye and Jake Crye-Anilonis. Her treasured friends are too numerous to mention by name but know that she and her family were enriched by these relationships and you who count yourselves in this category are part of her legacy.
Pat began her family in Eugene Oregon before moving to Iowa in the mid 1950s. In 1964, Orville took a job in the art department at Skagit Valley College in Mt. Vernon Washington. The family drove an old school bus and a Greenbrier Van from Ames Iowa to their new home in Burlington. They ultimately settled in Sedro Woolley in 1968, where she remained the rest of her life. She loved her home and the mild moody weather of the northwest. Pat worked as a Nurse at Northern State Hospital, a Nursing Educator at Skagit Valley College and gave civil service tests at the college for many years. Pat was an enthusiastic volunteer in her community. She was a founding member of both the Sedro Woolley Community Kitchen, and the Skagit Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). She was also a member of Central United Methodist Church in Sedro Woolley and worked to help people with AIDS.
When she was a young mother a woman who lived next door would come over and offer to keep her kids so that she could have a moment to herself. She was incredulous at this generosity and asked what she could offer in return. Her neighbor told her not to worry, that some day she would be in a position to help someone else and that would be her repayment. Pat told this story over and over and made the woman’s pass-it-on philosophy her own. She has repaid that neighbor a 1000 times over. Now it is our turn to repay the love that she shared with us.
Memorials can be made to a charity of your choice or by doing a kind deed.
A celebration of Pats life will be held at 1:00 pm on Feb 11th at her church, Central United Methodist Church (1013 Polte Rd., Sedro Woolley). All who knew her are invited. The family encourages you to wear bright colors, and a big smile.
Pat, we miss you but were lucky to have known you.
Congratulations for a life well lived.
January 21st, 2006 at 6:21 pm Dear David, I always loved your stories about Pat. You and Ron are in my thoughts. Love,Ruth.
January 21st, 2006 at 6:46 pm David-thank you so much for the beautiful obit. I can’t tell you how much I miss her, as I’m sure you do too. However, she lives on through all of us, and I can see pieces of her in each one of us. Love you all! Love, Marisa
January 21st, 2006 at 6:50 pm I was saddened by the news, but gladdened by the lovely eulogy. I never had the pleasure to meet her but after reading this I felt I did. Much love to you David and Ron.
January 22nd, 2006 at 11:40 am Not only was she all these things, but also a vision of grace and strength in adversity. As you’ve said, David, the challenges of life seemed to make her bigger. I’m privileged to have known her.
January 22nd, 2006 at 8:28 pm dear David and Ron.I’ll be honored to do a good deed on behalf of Pat Chatt. Although I did not know her personally, I know her spirit has always shined through you.This is a wonderful tribute to your mom. I love you. Jo
March 31st, 2006 at 6:52 am In class David told many stories of Orville and Pat, and told them well enough that you feel like you were in the back of the station wagon too. What a lovely life.