Obituary of Patricia Macier

Macier, Patricia "Pat" Ann August 24, 1943—September 15, 2023 Pat Macier passed peacefully in her home in Shelton, WA on Sep. 15, 2023 at the age of 80. Her parents were William Macier and Ruth (Taylor) Macier. Pat was born in Detroit, MI Aug. 24, 1943. Her mother, Ruth, had moved in with her parents while Pat's dad was sailing the N. Atlantic as a merchant marine engineer during WW II. Pat was not introduced to her dad until he returned home when she was 6 months old. Sometime later the family moved to St. Ignace, MI and a log cabin in the upper peninsula of MI. Pat was very proud of being a "Yooper" and of her Danish heritage. Her childhood was spent fishing in Lake Michigan and surrounding lakes and streams and hunting in the surrounding forests with her father, Bill. She entertained friends and family with fond stories of her childhood. Including a "pet" bear cub who came to visit her on occasion near the cabin. White fish boils and wild game were a family staple. Her grade school years were spent in a three room school with kindergarten through eighth grades which she fondly referred to as "Gros Cap One and Only" Her stories related to long lasting recesses and, yes, she did get her tongue frozen to the monkey bars – once! Upon graduating from LaSalle high school, Pat returned to Detroit and Marygrove College. She often recalled her favorite uncle, George and the Detroit Tiger baseball games he would take her to in Detroit. She graduated in 1965 with a BA in biology and chemistry. When jobs were not available, she moved to Seattle and took a job in a research lab at the University of Washington. Finding that working with rabbits and insects less than stimulating and rewarding, she obtained a BSN from Seattle University in 1971. In 1977, she obtained a Master in Nursing from the University of Washington in Maternal/Child Health. Pat served in the Air Force Nurse Corps reserve from 1972-1980. Pat started her nursing career at Seattle Children's Hospital. She worked many years in public health, maternal/child health both locally and at the WA state department of health. She retired as a nursing consultant in the Washington State Crime Victims Compensation Program. Her work always focused on the health and well being of children and their families. She enjoyed her work, found it rewarding and maintained friendships with co-workers in retirement. On the west coast, she met Judy Maire who became a lifelong friend, traveling companion and housemate. Pat was embraced by the Maire family and was regarded as an informally adopted daughter, sister and aunt. Though she had no children of her own, she "adopted" and nourished relationships with many of Judy's nieces and nephews, who will have lifetime memories of cuddling with Pat in her cozy bed as she read them her favorite children's classics. Special niece, Jenny, spent many enjoyable times at the beach where Pat had to limit Jenny's collected rocks to what she could carry in her small pockets. In later years they would have science discussions as Jenny became a medical doctor. Pat introduced Judy to quiet time at dawn and dusk on beaver ponds, lakes, streams and in forests. They hiked, fished back packed and, in later years, car camping and picnics in parks. Pat could start a campfire and cook a whole chicken stew in a pot in any weather--even a rain storm. They travelled to Europe and to Denmark which was a high point for Pat. She had a chance to use the 3 phrases in Danish that she had learned from her grandmother. The phrases seemed to be well received by the Danes which reassured Judy who had no idea what Pat was saying. They enjoyed train, boat and road trips to Yellowstone National Park, southern California to visit relatives, Canada, Florida and of course Michigan. There were boat trips to Alaska and in April, 2019 a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi. Pat danced every evening. Stephen Gardner, "Aunt" Patty's son was Pat's godson. He called her "god mama" It was immense joy to Pat when Stephen, his parents and brother journeyed from the East coast to visit with Pat shortly before she passed. Pat had a clever and mischievous sense of humor. Well timed eye brow wags often gave her away however. She loved to sing "Macier" songs which were always entertaining and sometimes faintly ribald. She also loved to dance and would take to the dance floor when asked and sometimes even if not asked and always attracted a dance partner. When listening to 1950's oldies and not near a dance floor, she would mime her high school dance moves with a "hubba hubba" She enjoyed cooking, music, science and history and shared her passion with her friends and family as she also loved to educate. Stories of drosophila (fruit fly) in the lab, manatees in the canals of Florida, how to cook the perfect steamer clam, and acronyms for memorizing the Great Lakes were common topics of conversation. Not enough can be said for the health care providers and administrators from Synergy HomeCare for the caring and love they showed both Pat and Judy. The same is true of the Providence Hospice care providers who eased Pat's passing immeasurably. Pat was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her cousins Barbara (Michael) Thorson of Midland, MI and Frank (Betty) Swartz of Clarkston, MI. She is also survived by Judy and the Maire Clan including Peggy, Janet, John and Patty and special nieces and nephews and her beloved cat, Dahli. Pat was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Shelton for over 50 years. A memorial Mass is scheduled on Nov. 30, 2023 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Shelton, WA. A reception will be held after Mass to share stories and memories. Donations can be made to any food bank. Pat will be interred with her parents in St. Ignace, MI in the spring.