Patricia Wilson, 76

Patricia Andrea Wilson was born Aug. 30, 1939, in Butte, Mont., to Jerry and Anne Wilson. She was named after her two grandfathers, Patrick and Andrew, from whom she inherited her Irish wit, intelligence and charm.

The fifth of six children, Patty had a keen and loving sense of humor that often took the form of teasing her siblings, Margaret (Bob), Peter (Luella), Jerry (Carole), Helen and Rose.

Patty graduated from Kellogg High School and North Idaho College before taking to the skies as a flight attendant with West Coast Airlines. She returned to school in her 40s and received her B.A. from San Francisco State University. In 2004, she retired from Delta Airlines after a distinguished career of more than 40 years.

Her lifetime of travels took her all over the world, but the city she loved best was Rome, where the culture, food and people captured her heart. She also loved the West Coast, making her home in Seattle, Alaska, San Diego, and finally settling in the San Francisco bay area. She was a gifted visual artist who embraced sculpture, drawing and painting. As an adult, she studied holistic medicine and wellness. No matter where she lived or how busy her schedule, she made time to regularly visit with her family in North Idaho, where her characteristic laugh livened up evenings playing cards and catching up with family.

She especially loved children and never lost her sense of play which endeared her to her nieces and nephews: Phil Gasser, Barb Gasser, Annie Gasser, Joan Gasser Romanick, Bruce Wilson, Teresa Atha, Brett Wilson, Bart Wilson, Mark Wilson, Kris Smith, Mary Kiene, Brad Branson, Larry Branson, Ed Branson, Laura Warner and Justin Messina.

Contributions in Patty’s memory may be made to an organization of your choice. Please visit Patty’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.