Patricia Fern Temple (Patti) lost her battle with uterine cancer on Tuesday Aug. 15, 2023, with family and friends by her side. Patti was born in Centralia, Washington on June 21, 1958, and graduated from Centralia High School in 1976. She was a resident of Lynnwood, Washington, at the time of her passing. Patti worked at Philips Ultrasound for 33 years as an export control officer.
Patti loved to bake, and her colleagues at Philips were happy recipients of her sweet treats. She loved to read, especially while sitting on her deck surrounded by squirrels and owls. Her special place was at the beach. Any beach would do, but Seaside, Oregon, was her favorite. She loved zipping around in her red Mini-Cooper and taking trips to Disneyland with her family. Her other happy place was in Livermore, California, with her “California family,” including her sister and brother-in-law and niece Lisa Tololi, nephew and niece Tyler and Kim Robinson, and great-nieces and nephews, Peter, Ashley, Rocco, Liana, Cody, Trenton and Aubrey.
Even though Patti had no children of her own, she cherished her great-nieces and nephews and they cherished her. Her frequent visits to California for vacations and holidays were special times for the kids and for Patti. While visiting in Livermore, she enjoyed going to the movies with her brother-in-law Bruce even when she had to “shush” him when he laughed too loud. Family and friends were everything to Patti. She was always happy and upbeat and loved people.
Patti is survived by her brother, Gary Challender, and his wife, Connie, of Spokane, Washington; her sister, Becky Robinson, and her husband, Kim, of Livermore; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews and cousins; as well as an awesome and supportive group of friends. Michelle and Kristi (also known as the redheads) were lifelong friends, Michele at birth and Kristi in second grade. They made many memories during the years whether in Seaside, Hawaii or just hanging out. Her Lynwood area friends provided so much support and care. She knew she could call any of them for help at any time – Sunni, Tanya, Christine, Rae, Jamie, Lynn, Robyn, Glenda, Danielle and the rest of the group.
Patti was predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Fern Temple; her brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Jeanne Challender; and two nephews, Jeffrey and Michael Challender.
Patti requested a party instead of a funeral service. There was a celebration of life in Lynwood and a celebration of life put on by Philips Ultrasound. We will celebrate with a celebration of life in Livermore, California, this fall. Per her request, her ashes will be scattered at the beach at a time and place to be determined. Details will be posted on her Facebook page when plans are finalized.
