Full of warmth, creativity & the kindest spirit, Patti left us on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

Patti was born on June 15th, 1940, in Burlington, Washington. Growing up in a small home next to Burlington-Edison High School, (a small park still sits behind where the home stood.) An only child, she was raised by her loving parents, Fred & Orpha Reinert. A wonderful childhood, Patti had many friends & fond memories of growing up in Burlington. She attended Catholic School, followed by Burlington-Edison High School, graduating in 1958.

Patti married A.W. "Bill" Dynes on September 5th, 1959, at St. Charles Catholic Church. Son Michael was born in 1961, followed by Colleen in 1964. Patti worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Brummett until she took time off to raise their children. During this time, she taught catechism for over ten years & was involved with her church. Established by Bill's father in 1948, a large part of their life was also devoted to the egg business, 'Dynes Farms,' when Bill and Patti became owners along with his two brothers & their spouses.

Bill & Patti shared countless fun times with family & friends & enjoyed numerous adventures on their boat, "Sunny Side Up."  They spent many summers at their property in Big Lake as well & Patti was an excellent water skier. Bill & Patti divorced after more than 25 years of marriage but remained friends.

After the divorce, Patti moved from Burlington to La Conner & loved her life there. An eye for art & having worked at a gallery, she opened a store, "The Ginger Grater" with her dear friend Patty Person. After owning the store for several years, the store was sold & she retired, enjoying a beautiful home with water views she never tired of. The day before she left us, she was still looking at those views.

A lover of fine art, the color red, & a wonderful decorator, Patti warmed the homes of many others with her knack for design.  She was always stylish herself, the very best hostess, & typical Patti, she was still trying to feed us until the very end.

She loved tradition, & holidays were important to her. Although not feeling well in December of 2023, Patti insisted the family gather at her home for food & festivities, a tradition we will dearly miss. The Polar Express book & bell were always on her table for reading on Christmas Eve.

An incredible mother, she was always there for Mike & Colleen. One particular saying, "You Don't Hate Anyone" was especially taken to heart.  Mike has an abundance of memories of how she dedicated herself to looking after their every need. She also made sure not only her own kids were well fed, but also the neighborhood kids & anyone else who happened to walk through the back door.

As a mother-in-law, she was simply the finest. Never any unsolicited advice, never a harsh word between the two, only love. Jodi learned so much from her in more than 43 years spent together & cherished her as a second mom. They traded so many hugs & "I love you's," especially towards the end. Patti wanted her feelings known & that love will never be forgotten.

Patti was the best "Gramie" to her grandchildren, Matthew Jon, Molly Jo & Delaney Anne. She loved every moment spent with them, from searching for beach treasures on Martha's Beach, bringing them to "work" at The Ginger Grater, trips to the bookstore across the street, to dipping toes almost every Friday during summers at Friday Creek. On beach days she would insist on packing a picnic lunch to bring along for all to enjoy. There, she could basically stop time, be in the moment, & show the kids the smallest of things to instill in them how the simple things in life were the best things. On these occasions she would often bring her mother along & "Nannie" became a special person to her grandkids as well.

Patti was enchanted by the birth of her first great-grandchild, Livy Marie, in June of 2021. A visit, or even a photo of Livy would brighten her day & the best smile would cross her face. Just recently she was suggesting names for the second great-grandchild on the way.

The loss of her daughter, Colleen, to pancreatic cancer in February of 2021, took a heavy toll on her & she felt that loss deeply, missing her every single day. They are now together & for that we are so grateful.

Patti is survived by her son Mike (Jodi), grandchildren Matt (Lisa), Molly (Kyle) Larson, & Delaney, her great-granddaughter Livy, & a great-grandson (due in July.)  She is also survived by her partner of seventeen years, Doug Hawley, her son-in-law Craig Mullen & his children Craig Jr. & Carlee, brother & sister-in-law Jim & Peggy Dynes, sister-in-law Elizabeth Wilson, & Aunt Joan Dickhaus. She leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews & a tight-knit group of high school girlfriends including Linda Handlos & Linda Peth.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred & Orpha, her beloved Colleen, her ex-husband Bill, & her brother-in-law Chuck.

No more pain, only peace, for a woman who was loved more than words can say.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday April 12th, at 1:00pm at The Skagit Golf & Country Club in Burlington.

A special thank you to Tilor and Olivia with "Home Instead" and to Hospice of the Northwest.

Memorials are suggested to the Cancer Care Fund at Skagit Regional Health Foundation. PO Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98274.

Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.