Patsy Staggs Reinard a longtime resident of Sedro-Woolley and Burlington for the past 44 years passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at her home in Burlington at the age of 66 years after a brave, courageous, and gallant 11 year battle with aggressive breast cancer. ‘She gave it her all’; fighting to hopefully find out there was a cancer break through for her and others just around the corner. Patsy was born August 10, 1935 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham the daughter of Boyd and Evelyn Konsel Staggs. Her father Boyd was well known in Bellingham for his many athletic activities and in 1989, he was honored at Western Washington University as a member of Western’s first ‘Athletic Hall of Fame.’ Patsy graduated from Bellingham High School in 1953 and from Western Washington College of Education in 1957. On August 24, 1958, she was married to Bill Reinard in Bellingham. For many years she taught at various elementary schools for the Burlington Edison School District. She later found her calling as a Professional Food and Beverage Demonstrator and she really loved her job. She started out working for Northwest Demo Service working at various super markets from Seattle to Blaine, later Continental Baking Company where she was known as the ‘twinkie lady.’ She also worked for Millstone Coffee and for the past three years she gave out samples of pizza and became known as the ‘pizza lady.’ Always with a ready smile on her face and care and concern for those she came in contact with; Patsy loved making a difference in peoples lives.
For many years, Patsy was very involved with the Anacortes International Folkdancers where she once served on the Board of Directors. Walking up Burlington Hill with her precious dog Missy was always a big important part of her day. Lately the Washington Park Loop Rd in Anacortes has been her favorite spot to walk along with her dog Dottie who was a real comfort and joy to her.
Since 1988, Volkswalking has played a big roll in her life. Just recently she completed 7, 500 km and 650 Volkswalk events everywhere from Alaska to California. Many wonderful times were spent in B.C. with her many Canadian friends.
Patsy previously belonged to Rainbow Girls in Bellingham, Skagit Alpine Club, and the Mt. Baker Hiking Club. She currently belonged to Beta Sigma Phi in Sedro-Woolley , Northwest Tulip Trekkers, Central Lutheran Church in Bellingham, and attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley. Patsy is survived by her husband Bill Reinard of the family home in Burlington and a brother and sister in law Gene and Betty Staggs of Bellingham. Numerous cousins, many wonderful friends, and her dear little dog Dottie.
Visitation will be from Friday, Saturday, and Monday from 9:00AM to 5:00 PM at Lemley Chapel.
Graveside Services will be Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 10:00 AM at Greenacres Cemetery in Ferndale with a Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 Noon at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Walter Rice officiating with a reception dinner to follow at the church. Memorials are suggested to Skagit Animal Shelter, Skagit Hospice, and Whidbey Island Animal Facility in Coupeville. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
You may share your thoughts and memories of Patsy by signing the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com .