Author Topic: In Memory of Pat Westerdale  (Read 11068 times)

bellamarie

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In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« on: April 23, 2015, 09:54:45 AM »
In Loving Memory


Patricia Westerdale


Pat was an active member of SeniorNet and came to SeniorLearn where she used her technology skills to help Discussion Leaders make many, many headings and graphics.  She was one of a kind, one of our founding members of SeniorLearn, and will be tremendously missed by all.

 Pat passed away on April 21, 2015.




She was  a partner with her beloved husband, Charlie, in the operation of their Illinois farm, and a loving Mother to her children and adoring Grandmother to her grandchildren.  She loved to travel both to SeniorLearn gatherings and to Europe, Scandanavia, China and Nepal.   She told of her travels with such a sparkle in her eye and a sense of humor that you didn't forget her adventures...whether it was whacking with her cane the back of the legs of  some teenage pickpockets at the Louvre, on the hood of an aggressive driver in Rome as she was crossing the street,  becoming acclimated to the high altitude as she traveled to Nepal, negotiating the Tube in London, or her tales of her "lead foot" when she was driving the latest of her Volvo cars that she'd gone to Sweden to get.
   

 




=========






My deepest condolences to Pat W.'s family.  I am so glad someone was able to contact our group to let us know of her passing.  
“What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?...Was ever anything so civil?”
__Anthony Trollope, The Warden

LarryHanna

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2015, 10:33:29 AM »
I am also saddened to learn of the death of Pat Westerdale.  I remember she and her husband at the Atlanta Bash that SeniorNet friends had in Atlanta.  She had this great twinkle in her eye.  I remember she was the sister-in-law of author John Jakes, if I remember correctly.
LarryBIG BOX

jane

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2015, 11:21:24 AM »
Yes, Larry, you remember correctly.  Her sister Rachel is married to the author.

jane

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2015, 12:08:00 PM »
Pat Westerdale was one of the best of God's creations.  She had a sparkle and wit about her that made you want to stay in her company. 

I knew her as a tireless worker behind the scenes at SeniorNet and here at SeniorLearn.  She loved technology, and she could spend hours making a graphic or an animation to meet the needs of the various discussion leaders.  She had the perseverance to spend whatever time was needed getting the job done.  From the things she said, it was apparent she had been an equal partner with her beloved husband, Charlie, on their western Illinois farm.

Pat and I met several times in person over the years.  We met with FairAnna when Anna was visiting in Iowa, and Pat picked me up and drove us to St. Paul to meet with Lorrie, another wonderful SL discussion leader.  The last time I saw Pat was when she and Charlie stopped in my little town to meet me for lunch as they headed to a family reunion in Minnesota. 

Rest in peace, Dear Friend!

jane



ALF43

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2015, 12:42:19 PM »
Pat  was and always will be one of my favorite people from my time with SeniorNet/Learn years.  I learned an incredible amount from her both in "tetchy" help and in life. She was a great listener and a wise old bird who never hesitated to chastise me , when needed.   She literally waved the cane at me that Jane spoke about during our DC TRIP. She had refused to allow me to push her around the Rotonda in a wheel chair. When she began to tire and perspire I insisted and asked a young man to fetch one for us while I sat with Pat. She was furious at me and starting shaking that cane in my face. I backed off, smiled & told the people witnessing this tirade that "I just got her released from the home " for the day and she was confused. Haha lol- she pouted for a half hour. We laughed about that for years.
As I've said there is not a soul on earth who loved her Lord, her family not her friends any greater than she did.
I have been blessed to be a part of her long life.
Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.  ~James Russell Lowell

Tomereader1

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #5 on: April 23, 2015, 01:09:45 PM »
Regrettably I never had the good fortune to meet Pat, and from all the wonderful posts by the people who met her and knew her, I really missed out.  I'm sure I must have seen some of her graphics and images here, and  I truly appreciate anyone who can do that type of work.  

Rest in Peace, Pat.  My condolences to her family.
The reading of a fine book is an uninterrupted dialogue in which the book speaks and our soul replies.


André Maurois

Frybabe

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #6 on: April 23, 2015, 01:20:10 PM »
My sincere condolences to Pat's family. She was among the first people to welcome me to SeniorNet.

maryz

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #7 on: April 23, 2015, 01:20:22 PM »
I'm so sorry to hear about Pat.  She certainly worked hard to make it easier for the rest of us here at SeniorLearn.  Condolences to her friends and family.
"When someone you love dies, you never quite get over it.  You just learn how to go on without them. But always keep them safely tucked in your heart."

BarbStAubrey

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #8 on: April 23, 2015, 02:46:12 PM »
Oh - looking back to realize Pat was one of the giants of SeniorNet that later we became two groups, this being Senior Learn - when none of us knew how to upload Pat was converting our graphics and creating our headings that were the crucial first thing we saw for every discussion, before any post new or older and there were only a certain number of posts that could be attached to a heading before a new site had to be created carrying with it the old heading.

Pat was a whiz at the technology we all depended upon - she was so down to earth and after her husband died she managed and did the work on the farm. We've had glimpses of so many who joined us over the years who have enriched our lives and I am saddened to see them go - as we age I realize to gather new friends is work and the new friends never really replace those who are no longer with us leaving an empty spot - Pat will be one of those who I did not know well but her being and contribution to my life, here learning and commenting on our reading, leaves an empty spot.  
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ~ Goethe

ALF43

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #9 on: April 23, 2015, 03:51:15 PM »
She loved wood working and I still have a  little car that she carved for me holding a pencil in my kitchen. Ginger still has hers too that Pat made. She was versatile,especially in her story telling.  She had so much knowledge and so many wonderful stories to relate- about everything. If you'd broach a subject, she had a story.
Ginny and I flew out to her when she had a stroke about 8 yrs. ago and we were flabbergasted at how alert she was- she knew us and everything else going on around her. She told us then that she was a tough old bird. Here we never thought she'd make another 8 yrs.after that trip.she even tried to direct our trip! Where to go, what to visit, where to eat, she cracked us up! From her deathbed to micro managing our visit. ;D
Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.  ~James Russell Lowell

gingerw

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #10 on: April 23, 2015, 09:41:09 PM »
My condolences to the Westerdale family and the many close friends Pat has made. Remember the good times it helps bear the loss. Yes I still have the car she made for us it was on the table in the living room when I got the call she had passed. We shared many good times with our S/Net & senior learn gatherings. We were at most if not all the gatherings. Pat taught me MANY things, how to do things in the back side of the net.
May you rest in peace my friend.

 
Ginger

JoanK

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #11 on: April 24, 2015, 02:21:02 PM »
I loved Pat with her sense of humor and down to earth approach to things. Meeting her on the DC trip, I discovered that we were almost exactly the same age, but she always seemed much wiser than me. I really miss her.

maryz

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #12 on: April 24, 2015, 06:18:17 PM »
I had forgotten until I saw Pat's picture that John and I were on an Elderhostel with her several years ago.  It was in Farmington, NM, and one of the topics was about Tony Hillerman and his books.  This is the area where his stories take place.  Also we were privileged to hear a talk by one of the Navajo Code Talkers from WW2.  All in all, a special time.
"When someone you love dies, you never quite get over it.  You just learn how to go on without them. But always keep them safely tucked in your heart."

PatH

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #13 on: April 24, 2015, 06:49:10 PM »
I only met Pat in person once, but that was enough to be sure I'll never forget her.  That picture at the top of the page captures her spirit perfectly.  Thanks, Pat for all you did.

marcie

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #14 on: April 25, 2015, 12:05:38 PM »
I agree with all of the wonderful things that everyone is saying about Pat. That photo at the top does capture her so well. Pat put her whole self into everything she did... and she accomplished a lot for our Books community on SeniorNet and here on SeniorLearn. Beside all of the talented graphic and technical skills she shared with us, she faithfully emailed the BookBytes newsletter twice a month for many years. Pat had a great sense of humor and a genuine personality that made you feel at ease. She was energetic and, it seems, tireless and alert until the very end. Among all of the wonderful people in our community, Pat was among the most special. We've all been enriched by knowing her.

pedln

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #15 on: April 25, 2015, 12:16:01 PM »
SeniorNet and SeniorLearn were both lucky to have Pat Westerdale for a friend.  Such a delight to be around.  I first met her at the Book Festival in DC, and then later that same summer at a SeniorNet luncheon in Central Illinois, where she came with her dear husband Charlie, and then a few years later at another get-together at Isle of Palms, SC.   Lately she's been on Facebook, usually with a little one on her lap, sharing her family happenigs.  We will miss you, dear Pat.  My sympathies to the Westerdale family.

ALF43

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #16 on: April 28, 2015, 08:01:05 PM »
This is the official obit for Pat.

Patricia Louise (Payne) Westerdale

1928 - 2015 | Obituary |  Condolences
Patricia Louise (Payne) Westerdale Obituary
ALTONA - Patricia Louise Westerdale, 86, Altona, died Tuesday morning, April 21, 2015, at UnityPoint Methodist Hospital, Peoria.
Patricia was born Aug. 11, 1928, in Orlando, Florida, the daughter of Joseph C. and Nina Faris Payne. Patricia met her husband, Charles Westerdale, while attending the University of Illinois. They were married Aug. 21, 1948, in Danville.
Patricia is survived by her two sons, C. Richard (Cindy) of Haslet, Texas and C. Joseph of Centennial, Colorado; two daughters, Sara (Patrick) Nelson of Altona and Alice (Tim) Eller of Fort Collins, Colorado; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Rachel (John) Jakes of Jacksonville, Florida, Jenny (Luther) Erickson of Grinnell, Iowa, and Mary (Robert) Krisko of Charlotte, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Joseph C. and William Payne.
Patricia farmed with her husband Charles in Walnut Grove for many years. Upon retirement from farming, she returned to finish her college degree at Western Illinois University. She then worked at May Company and LaSalle Electronics as a bookkeeper.
Patricia volunteered at the Altona Grade School where she loved teaching computers skills to the children and staff. She also was webmaster for the SeniorNet website. She continued to volunteer until recently at the Galesburg Public Library.
Patricia has donated her body to science to the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. A memorial service is being planned for 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altona, with Rev. Tim Anderson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Patricia's memory to the American Cancer Society or to the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Online condolences and sympathy cards may be sent through www.hurdhendricksfuneralhome.com.
- See more at: http://obituaries.galesburg.com/obituaries/register-mail/obituary.aspx?n=patricia-louise-westerdale-payne&pid=174704988#sthash.yY2L940U.dpuf
Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.  ~James Russell Lowell

JoanP

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #17 on: May 03, 2015, 01:44:12 PM »
Oh my.  Jane's mention of Pat, Lorrie, Fair Anna leaves such an empty feeling - arms outstretched, yearning to pull them all back.  Cannot  believe that Pat is no longer with us.  I guess I don't really believe that.  She will always be here with us. Don't you feel it?

Pat was the soul your soul recognized at first meeting.  You felt you knew her...that she knew you.  Not only that, but she accepted you, warts and all.
 
Thanks to you, Andy, for keeping in touch and bringing us the obituary notice. What a full life she led, what  wonderful family amd friends she leaves with so many memories.  A life well-lived!  Shouldn't we wipe the tears and celebrate with her?
 
You will always be with us, dear friend!


ALF43

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #18 on: May 03, 2015, 03:34:46 PM »
Well said Joan, she leaves a void in my heart.
Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.  ~James Russell Lowell

ginny

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #19 on: May 04, 2015, 10:16:34 AM »
I don't know where to begin to try to sum up what Pat has meant to us and to me personally all these years. I also have the rolling pencil holder, but other things as well, including an extremely clever bird house made to look like a caboose which my grandson loves. She was gifted in so many areas, a person of great depths, who loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly and spoke of them often, and with whom we've shared so many adventures.

Pat's influence is everywhere.  First on SeniorNet and then on SeniorLearn, it's her animations which now grace the Latin classes, her cleverness in making blinking drills and staggering Caesars to run across the page, Felix Dies on the Latin birthday cakes,  and rolling snowmen for the website headings. She could make any animation do what you wanted. Her dedication in getting it right was legendary.  We'll always use them, and people will always say where on earth did you get that?  Pat.

The trips, the gatherings, the fun! I had a wonderful photo of her at The Isle of Palms which she hated. I always said if anything happened to her we'd use that, she always said don't you dare. Funny how it has disappeared. The photo above  and those from the  DC trip, the beach trip, the Wilmington trip, the various Books gatherings, and the trip to Europe, show how many experiences we all shared. Who could forget Pat in Venice? Or having to go..was it in Rome...to the Hardrock Cafe because of a grandchild? Or whacking a pretty good sized man in the shins  in that somewhat deserted historic square  in Paris  with that lethal CANE!  I was terrified, I didn't know why she did that, and was sure we were in for it but he ran. He had tried to steal her purse but he went home wiser that day.

That CANE! In addition to the stories here, there are so many more. Once  in Rome we wanted to sit in a grotto like restaurant basement with frescoes and had started down, and the owner, an elderly man, was apparently trying to close that section. That's what I got out of his running up and expostulating and waving his hands  in angry Italian. Pat, however and the famous CANE spoke all languages: grasping it firmly she raised it up and shook it and apparently they spoke the same language as we were treated like queens from that moment on, and escorted in  like royalty.   hahahaa  I have often thought of trying that,  but somehow I think it would not go as well.

Memories, memories. They keep flooding back.  How lucky we were to know Pat, all of us here from across the country and the world.  I last heard from Pat in February  on my birthday.  She never forgot.

The trip to Altona with Andrea, what a wonderful area of the country, what wonderful people, I was so taken with it and  Sara and Patrick whom I had heard so much about, as well as the doings of all her children and grandchildren. I knew them all vicariously.  How she looked forward to  that trip to Colorado for the family reunion. She came here, too, to our home, to South Carolina, with Charlie who carefully chose a rock for his collection as he was making a wall of these rocks from his travels. I feel very fortunate to have known her.

I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to her family which she loved so well, and my gratitude for having had her in our lives.  We are all much richer for it.


ANNIE

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #20 on: May 04, 2015, 03:29:42 PM »
Dear Pat was so loved by all who met her.  Once she and Charlie joined us at the annual meet of the Toledo Trotters in Perrysburg.  They were traveling to the NE areas of the country to visit family.  I don't remember in NYC IN 98, but she  was in DC,  on the Isle of Palms, many other meets over the years. I,too, still have my little wooden car that was a pencil holder!   I last heard from her in March when she posted on the specialness of great-grandchildren.  We were both blessed with three.

My condolences to her loving family and all of her friends.  
"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth." Robert Southey

Ella Gibbons

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #21 on: May 05, 2015, 02:48:15 PM »
So sorry that Pat has gone, but never in our memories.   She was there for us, so savvy about the computer when many of us were just learning.  I will never know all she knew and did.  We met several times over the years at various gatherings.  She always had a smile.  She told me once that she went to grade schools in her city to teach children about the computer.  I have an idea they will never forget also; she loved the children and was so humorous at times.  Children would have taken to her right away. 

She was one of our own and will always be remembered.  My sympathy to her family. 

Jonathan

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #22 on: May 05, 2015, 05:53:39 PM »
It's wonderful hearing so many fine things being said about Pat. I wish I could have met her. I remember her well of course from her warm welcome many years ago on Seniornet, and as the genius behind the banner headings which added so much to the discussions. It seems she enriched the lives of all who met her.

Well done, Pat. Hail and farewell.

JoanP

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A lovely note from Pat Wssterdale's family...
« Reply #23 on: May 26, 2015, 08:00:43 PM »

Maryemm

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Re: In Memory of Pat Westerdale
« Reply #24 on: November 30, 2016, 03:24:05 PM »
I have only just learnt of Pat's passing. I am so very sorry and send my condolences to all members of her family.

Pat helped me so much when I was a Latin student with Ginny, particularly when I was editing the online magazine "Ecce". She was never too busy to help me out when I got into technical difficulties and had the happy knack of never making me feel I was a "nuisance".

We never met but she was an online friend.

Maryemm (UK)