Obituary of Patricia Jannene Holden
Patricia (Ward) Holden
Patricia “Patsy” Jannene (Ward) Holden, Age 80, passed away peacefully at home in Mount Vernon, WA from cancer July 20, 2023, with family by her side, comforting her as she embarked on her final journey.
Patsy was born November 5, 1942, to her parents Patrick and Lucille Ward. She grew up in Sequim, WA, with her siblings Robert, Christina, and Pamela, and graduated from Sequim High School. After High School she married Merle Holden and moved to Seattle to start their family, first having Brian, and then Chris. After being in the Seattle area for 10 years they eventually ended up in Selah, WA, where they lived for 28 years. Pat spent most of those years working in retail and Smith Barney, before retiring and moving back to the Seattle area to be closer to family.
She enjoyed many things in life, including music, dancing, the beach, soaking up the sun every chance she could get, taking care of her beautiful flowers, but nothing more than her family and friends, and getting together for the holidays, special occasions, or just to visit. This meant the world to her, and to the very end wanted to make sure we were all going to be okay and would continue to carry this on and be there for each other. She was and will always be the glue that holds our family together.
After some health complications, Pat was diagnosed with Uterine and Pancreatic cancer in July of 2021. After surgery and many more visits to the hospital, she was given 3 to 6 months to live at the end of August 2021. She never gave up, stayed true to her love of family and friends, and made it through Thanksgiving and Christmas of that year. She had a lot of support from family and friends that came from all over to visit, which meant the world to her. But she had a new goal, her Granddaughter Julia was getting married in October of 2022, and she was determined to be there. She persevered and was able to fly to Arizona for the Bridal shower and back again for the wedding. She was able to have another great Thanksgiving and Christmas last year. She was in constant pain since her diagnosis, so it truly shows how much love she had in her heart to fight through for us all. Even with all that pain, all she wanted to do was take care of us, make sure we were alright, and let us know she was there for us. She had so much more she wanted to give, but she knew that was all she could do from here. She was tired and ready to move on to be greeted by loved ones waiting for her. Our dear wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother will always be remembered for her endless generosity, selflessness, her laugh, and smile that would light up a room and her inviting personality that made everyone feel welcome. You’ve touched so many lives and made us all better. Rest in Peace knowing you are loved by everyone and have given us everything we need to complete our journeys in life.
She is survived by her husband Merle Holden, son, Brian Holden and wife Yvonne, son, Chris Holden, Grandson, Jason Holden, Granddaughter, Julia (Holden) Mumbach and husband Jake, brother, Bob Ward and wife Colleen, Sister Tina Ward and wife Denver, Niece, Jennifer Aker and husband Mark, Nephew Joe Roberson and wife Katie, and Great Nieces and Nephew Ryleigh Aker, Addie Aker, Emery Aker, and Andrew Bloomquist.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, and sister Pamela (Ward) Roberson.
Per Patsy’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Northwest, in Mount Vernon, WA. They are truly wonderful people. Not only did they take excellent care of her, but they were also thoughtful, caring, and compassionate. Everything she needed and our family needed during this time.
Hospice of the Northwest
Hospicenw.org/Donate
227 Freeway Drive, Suite A
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
