Patricia Young was a friend to many and an inspiration to all. She was a strong, independent woman who said yes to a full life. No matter the challenges she faced, Pat stayed on the bright side of life. She was an eternal optimist with an unwavering strength to keep moving forward.

Patricia Jean Doherty Young was born April 9, 1928, in Baker, Oregon to Edward George Doherty Jr. and Juanita Helen Liston. She was the oldest child, followed by Edward, James, Michael, and David. Patricia was a product of the depression and WWII. She later reminisced about growing up poor, though she did not realize it at the time because everyone around her was in the same circumstances. For a time, her father was a steam locomotive engineer in Sumpter Valley for the Baker Eccles Lumber Company, where Pat and her family would go for many logging seasons to live in a two-room cabin hauled in on a flat car to each camp, so they could be close to her father. Her mother was a homemaker who was always positive, never letting the kids worry about their financial instability, and was a beloved grandma to Pat’s four children.

Given limited resources during her youth, Patricia found solace in the library, spending hours as a child picking out stacks of books to bring home. Her love of reading continued throughout her life, and one could often find her with her nose in a book.

Pat graduated from Baker Senior High School (‘46) and was the first ever in her family to graduate from college. She earned a Home Economics degree (‘50) from Oregon State University (then Oregon State College). Pat moved to Portland and worked in the sportwear department at Meier and Frank. She later became a secretary at a lumber company in the Neighbors of Woodcraft building. It was there that her boss mentioned a kind, young gentleman he had met named Thomas Young from Haines, Oregon. Pat and Tom knew little of each other in high school but, luckily for all, they reconnected. After a short courtship, they married December 26, 1953.

Pat and Tom spent a few years in Portland while Tom attended Lewis and Clark Law School, during which their first two children, Jeffery and Holley were born. In 1957 they moved back to their hometown of Baker enabling them to be close to their mothers. Children Kelley and Christopher soon followed. Pat and Tom forged many strong friendships in their community. Fond memories include many camping trips with friends, their potluck group, and Me and You Dance Club. In 1972, they acquired a cabin on the Snake River Brownlee Reservoir. Extended family continue the 52-year tradition enjoying quality time together at this beloved place.

While a busy mother of four, Pat volunteered for the kids’ schools, 4-H clubs, and scouting organizations. One of her most cherished affiliations was with PEO, a member for over 65 years, including chapters in Baker (AX), Salem (G) and Portland (AK). After 23 years of practicing law in Baker, Tom was appointed (‘81) by Governor Victor Atiyeh to the Oregon State Court of Appeals. Within a few weeks, he closed his law practice in Baker, and they packed up their home to move to Salem, Oregon. As empty nesters, Pat and Tom enjoyed seven years there until Tom’s passing (‘88). A year later, Pat moved to Portland to be closer to her four children, their spouses, and grandchildren.

Pat lived independently for 35 years at the American Plaza Condominiums in downtown Portland where she made many great friendships. Her grandchildren loved to visit for sleepovers, swim in the pool, and bake with her. Everyone especially enjoyed her homemade popcorn, peanut butter crackers, nuts and bolts, and chocolate fudge. Everything tasted better when Grammy made it. Many activities revolved around her family, including weekly Sunday night dinners with some of her grandchildren.

Up to Pat’s final month when she was diagnosed with Lung cancer and Lymphoma, she kept a busy calendar. She enjoyed playing Mahjong, and Manipulation with friends. She was a talented and avid seamstress. After moving to Salem, she became proficient at rug hooking bestowing family with beautiful handmade treasures. Pat took an exercise class three times a week and kept active until the end. She loved city life and would hop on the Portland Streetcar or MAX to get to a variety of pursuits over the years including seeing a play at Portland Center Stage, visiting the library, or attending City Club. She notably spent over 20 years volunteering at the Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery.

With her glass always half full, Pat looked for the silver linings to life’s challenges. She was a rock for her family. A lifelong learner, she stayed curious, adaptable, and open to all of what the world had to offer. It was one of her characteristics her grandchildren most loved about her; including her ability to relate to people of all ages and make them feel comfortable in her presence. Pat will be deeply missed yet her family are determined to carry on her eternal spirit.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents: Edward, and Juanita; brothers: James, Edward, and David; husband: Thomas; son-in-law: Patrick Harrington. She is survived by her children: Jeffery Young (Lauretta), Holley Franklin (Rick), Kelley Harrington, and Christopher Young (Ann); brother: Michael Doherty (Sue); grandchildren: Andrew Young, Matthew Young (Michelle), Kate Kitchell (Brian), Mackenzie Harrington, Kelsey Virnig (Maxwell), Charles Harrington, Thomas Young (Kathleen), Isabelle Harrington, Sophie Harrington, Joseph Young and Jackson Young; six great grandchildren, three nieces and nephews, and five grand nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life to honor Pat will be held Sunday, October 13th at 2:00 p.m. at The Laurelhurst Club.

Gifts in Pat’s memory can be made to the PEO Oregon Marguerite Scholarship (www.peooregon.org), Friends of the Multnomah County Library, or Mercy Corps.

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