Patricia Theresa Creger

Patricia Theresa Creger, 74, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 30, 2014. Although her passing was sudden and unexpected, she had achieved a contented and full life. Pat was born on December 2nd, 1939 to Dr. Eugene and Mrs. Bernadette Murphy in South Bend, IN. She attended Catholic schools in South Bend, undergraduate studies at Marquette University and graduate studies at Loyola and Notre Dame Universities. Pat taught junior high school in Anaheim, CA, where she met and married Henry "Donn" Creger on June 26, 1964. They lived in Jackson, CA before moving to the Pacific Northwest and finally settling down in Wenatchee, WA in 1967. Beyond her vivacious laugh and warm personality, Pat was well known for her acting, stage presence and extraordinary singing voice. She performed as a soprano soloist with the Applaires, sang with the St. Joseph Church Choir and was a proud member of the infamous Two Against One Trio. For may years she was deeply involved in local theatre, both dramatic and musical. Pat was a talented visual artist using a variety of media, a natural comedianne, and a loving wife and mother. She was a non-judgemental listener and served as a beloved "Second Mom" to many of her children's friends. Pat has often been lovingly described by friends and family as warm, witty and wickedly intelligent. She always made herself available to help friends and family in need. Pat devoted countless hours to volunteer work over the course of her life. She enjoyed assisting in elementary education, working with special needs children, volunteering in nursing homes and offering a great deal of time to her local Catholic churches. Pat Creger is preceeded in death by her parents and her only sister, Carol Jean Murphy. She is survived by her best friend and ex-husband, Henry "Donn" Creger; son Joseph Creger; daughters Shannon Romer (Ted), Cara Creger, Julie Lester (Mark) and Meghan Swardstrom (Mark); grandchildren Kieran Romer, Dylan Lester, Abigail and Lance Ballantine, Alexandra and Jessica Lester, Ryan Elizabeth and Owen Swardstrom; nephew John "Jack" Kerkering; and an extraordinary group of friends. Special mention for her much loved canine companion, Dovey. Please contact Laura Beck Medrud for memorial celebration details: medrud@gmail.com or (360)754-4600. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of Pat's favorite charities: Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA); Catholic Relief Services; or American Red Cross Relief Services.

Patricia Theresa Creger

December 2, 1939 - July 30, 2014