Patricia Louise Quinn

Patricia Quinn passed away peacefully in her sleep in Sandpoint, Idaho the morning of October 2, 2018.  The Vigil/Rosary will be conducted on Friday, October 12, 2018 at 7:00pm in St Joseph’s Catholic Church.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 10:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Dennis C. Day conducting.   

Patricia Louise Ryder was born the day after the stock market crash of 1929 to Frank and Ruth Ryder in Sioux City, Iowa and was the fifth of seven children. Raised in Omaha, Nebraska during the Depression and World War II, she graduated from Duchesne Academy and attended Duchesne College. Pat worked at her brother’s medical practice, but her passion was dancing. She taught dancing at Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio and dancing remained her favorite form of exercise throughout her life.

She met and fell in love with Jack Quinn during the four years of their courtship. Jack and Patricia married in 1951 while he was midway through Creighton Medical School. After his internship in Omaha, they moved to Spokane in 1954 to fulfill his Air Force commitment at Geiger Air Force Base, with children Tim and Christine in tow. Two years and three children (Dennis and twins Eileen and Maureen) later, they moved into Spokane from the base. Pat loved growing up in a large family and wanted one also. By the age of 26, she had five children under the age of five, with her nearest family members being in Omaha.

In 1960, the family moved to Rockwood Blvd., which was home base for the next 35 years. Meg and Brian were the last of the seven Quinn children. It was a busy and hectic household, but Pat kept it warm and nurturing. She was a curious, lifelong learner who encouraged this trait in all her children. Pat was an avid reader her entire life, as well as a crossword puzzle devotee. She disliked sports in general, which provided balance to life with her husband who was a sports enthusiast. Pat had a witty sense of humor and could always come up with a memorable comment.

Pat never warmed to skiing as Jack did, but gladly moved up to “the condo” in Sandpoint to be closer to Schweitzer and Lake Pend Oreille. She acquired the moniker of “Tutu” from her grandchildren and the family has many fond memories of winter and summer vacations spent with “Papa and Tutu” in Sandpoint.

Sadly, over the last several years, Pat suffered from Lewy Body Dementia. She always knew Jack, her husband of 67 years, who stood by and cared for her faithfully.

Patricia is survived by her husband Jack; her children Tim Quinn (Wanda), Christine Hudson, Dennis Quinn, Eileen Sterling (Kelly), Maureen Hammond (Curt), Meg Quinn, Brian Quinn (Sachiko); 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She will be fondly and lovingly remembered by all for a life well-lived and worth emulating.

The family suggests remembrances to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA.org). Family and friends are invited to share memories and sign Patricia’s online guestbook at coffeltfuneral.com.

Special thanks to the staff of Luther Park Care Center in Sandpoint, Idaho.