Patricia J. Retallick
Patricia J. Retallick passed away on December 27, 2015, at the home of her eldest son, Bill, whose family had been giving her care for the past two and a half years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Joseph, in April 1988 and by her parents, Mike and Verna Petrovich, her brother, Michael, and sister, Dorothy.
Born in Ronald, Washington in 1930, Patricia grew up in Tacoma. She attended the Catholic schools Holy Rosary and St. Leo’s, the all girls’ high school. While at St. Leo’s, she earned a full scholarship to St. Joseph’s in conjunction with Seattle University. She chose to attend St. Joseph’s, earning her certification as a Registered Nurse in 1951.
Married to her second grade sweetheart in 1952, she had four sons. In 1959, the family moved “out to the sticks” to a little town called Alderwood Manor, later known as Lynnwood. Together they bought a house that would be the family home for the next 53 years.
After a time at Everett General, she took a position at the new hospital in Edmonds, Stevens Memorial. Starting as an emergency room nurse, her commitment and excellence saw her rise to the top position an RN could hold: Director of Nursing. In the mid-1980s, she was hired by Northwest Hospital to become the Director of Patient Care and Evaluation. Seeking another new challenge in her sixties, she went to work in risk management, travelling the Western states until retirement.
She was part of the Great Generation. When asked about her career, she retorted “Career!! I had a job!!” We have never met, nor can imagine meeting anyone, who without question or hesitation did the right thing as consistently as she. Her friends and family knew they were loved. She had a great laugh. She especially enjoyed her well-fed family around her table in the house we all called home.
As dementia began to show itself late in her life, she prayed that she would not embarrass herself. She never did, she maintained in quiet dignity. She was comforted by her Faith in God as she passed into the mystery. She left nothing undone. She was much loved. She will be missed. She will never be forgotten.
Patricia Retallick is survived by her brothers, John and David Petrovich, their wives, Carol and Diane, her sons Bill, Patrick, Tom and Mark, her daughters-in-law Desiree, Cathy, Julie and Lynn, her grandchildren Brett, Alyssa, Michael, Natalie, Vanessa, Kristen, Lindsey, Jacob and Jordan, and her great-grandchildren, Gracie and Calvin.
A celebration of her life will be Friday, February 26, 10:00 am at Holyrood Cemetery, 205 NE 205th Street, Shoreline, Washington, 98155.
10 Responses to “Patricia J. Retallick”
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Mrs. Retallick, I remember her well as the Director of Nursing at Steven’s Hospital after she replaced Mrs. Ainsworth in that position. Sorry to read of her passing; she was quite the lady.
Pat was my neighbor in Lynnwood. We would have interesting conversations about heaven and life hereafter. I lost track of her when she moved away but always will remember her. May God bless her and her family. Now she knows what heaven is like!
Anyone who attended St. Pius church and school knew the Retallick family. My fondest memory of Mrs. Retallick was when her and Mrs. Kaploski coached our girl’s softball team. Back in the 60’s many of the mothers of our friends were stay at home Moms. Mrs. Retallick had a successful career as a nurse and that was fascinating to me. She was one of he last great ladies and role models of my childhood. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Bill, Pat, Tom, Mark and their families. I know there will be a great welcome party in heaven for her.
It is sad that my grade school classmate and good friend has transcend to be with GOD. Her husband, Joe, was a close friend, classmate through grade school and high school, and a team member both in football and baseball. Though we have been apart except for alumni meetings, I will miss her smile and her. God has won out again. My prayers are for the family and for her stay in heaven.
I first met Pat when she was Director of Nursing at Stevens Hospital. What a great lady and inspiration for me in my own nursing career. She eventually recruited me to a job in risk management and we travelled together up and down the coast. What a joy to have her as a friend and co-worker. It was special to have one last visit with her in November. Fly with the angels-Pat.
The wonderful memories I have of the Retallick family. So many incredibly great times we all had together! I know all our folks are together again…heaven just got happier!!
I MET PAT WHEN SHE WAS DNS AT STEVENS AND I AT NORTHWEST.WE BECAME GOOD FRIENDS TRAVELING TOGETHER TO SEATTLE AREA DNS MEETINGS.I ENCOURAGED PAT TO APPLY FOR A POSITION AT NW.SHE WAS WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS. THE PHYSCIANS WERE ESPECIALLY PLEASED AS THEY KNEW HER FROM STEVENS AND REVERED HER WITH GREAT RESPECT.SHE WAS A FUN LOVING LADY AND I AM PRIVILEGED TO HAVE KNOWN HER.
I grew up next door to Pat. She and my mom Ida weren’t just neighbors. They were the best of friends for 50 years, sharing more cups of coffee than anyone could possibly count. Mom likes to say that she and Pat always remained close, despite the numerous battles between their kids. She was a great woman and mom and the rest of us treasure her role in our lives and miss her deeply.
After Mike and I married, I was welcomed by the Petrovich family. They were all so nice and good to both Mike and myself. Pat was such a wonderful woman and called me her sister. She always had laughter and a true sense of humor. We shared time together whenever we could and I was so blessed to have her as my Sister in Law. My condolences to the family as she was one great woman!
Bev Petrovich
Time has passed now, but we still miss you so. We often drive by on the impossible chance you might be home. I’m doing fine and all is well, but if you had some time could you make something happen so to let me know we will see each other again. Just wondering. Tom