Patricia Illias

Patricia (Patty) Ann Walmer was born in Seattle, Washington, on January 2, 1945, to Delbert and Dorothy Walmer. She sadly and unexpectedly passed away on September 2, 2025, with her family by her side.

Patricia was an only child. Growing up, she lived in several places in Western states, as her father was frequently posted to different towns as a technician for the FAA. She graduated from Shadle Park High School in Spokane. Patty then attended Washington State University where she met her future husband and lifetime partner on a blind date. Patricia and Richard married in 1967, just before she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

They moved to Anchorage, Alaska, that same year, where Richard was stationed as an Army lieutenant. They started a family soon after. Patricia spent most of her career working for the State of Alaska at Job Service. Later she worked for a local veterinary clinic and volunteered at the Bird Treatment and Learning Center. After raising their family and retiring, they settled in Bellingham in 1995.

Patty is survived by her husband Richard; her daughters, Lisa Wood and Heather Kollander; her grandchildren, Caitlin, Mary and Sara; and her little dog, Max.

Patricia had a profound love for animals, especially dogs. She was fascinated by fashion–past and present–and was never without a copy of Vogue or Cosmopolitan. She could always be found trying out a new hobby (much to the chagrin of her husband and their pocketbook). She loved cooking, sewing, jewelry making, gardening, and soaking up all kinds of knowledge from her large collection of good books.

The family will be holding a private memorial and request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Poi Dog Rescue of Bellingham or the Whatcom Humane Society.