Patricia Isabell Ledbetter

September 13, 1932 -- December 1, 2022

Patricia Isabel Ledbetter, age 90, of Everett Washington passed away on Thursday December 1, 2022.

Patricia was born on September 13, 1932 in Alberta Canada to Peter and Agnes Traynor.

Her fondest joy was her family. She is preceeded by her life partner, Fred Taucher (Holocaust Survivor) and is survived by her children; Daughter Ann Benson, son Craig Ledbetter, grandson Coleman Smith, and son-in-law Gordon Benson.

Her legacy lives on through all of her generations and will truly be missed.

Eulogy, as written and read by Gordon Benson at GAR Cemetery, December 13, 2022

Patricia Ledbetter was my mother-in-law. She was also a friend, and confidant. We shared a special rapport, that wasn't usually typical of in-laws. I used to do some handy work for her around her home and help with computer issues. One Saturday over coffee, we just started telling our life stories.

She recounted a time as a young woman, when she moved from Alberta Canada to Seattle to live with her father –a Russian gentleman of traditional old-world values.

When Patricia expressed an interest in going to college, her father was adamantly opposed.

He had told her;

"A woman's place is in the home, they do not go to college!"

Well, that's all she needed to hear.

As one of the first woman to attend the UW Business Curriculum, she defied the dress code by wearing pants. This predated the woman's liberation movement of the 1960s.

She lived life to the fullest, with no regrets. Always upbeat and positive, even in the face of adversity. She had this ability to see the humor in almost any situation.

She was truly one of a kind.

Her face would light up a room upon entry, never short of an amusing anecdote, reflective of the day’s current events, or a funny story relating a personal experience.

She was a participant in the emergency evacuation slide test for the Boeing 747, while losing her wig in the process!

She became a successful Commercial Real Estate Broker specializing in affordable and senior housing –again challenging the status quo. Her daughter Ann (my lovely wife) changed careers to join her –a partnership that would endure almost 20 years, with notable accolades of the top sales persons in their brokerage.

She was instrumental in helping care for my wife while she was undergoing cancer treatment. It was as if; the good Lord gave her an extra year, so that she could help her daughter through a difficult time.

She was a member of the Pacific Northwest Opera Guild.

She donated to charities, such as;

The English-Speaking Union, The Assistance League of Everett, Operation School Bell, Kitty Young Auxiliary and the battered woman's shelter.

Her passion was travel; Europe, South America, and the Orient were among her favorite destinations. So, if she invited you to go shopping, you'd better have your passport on hand!

She will always be missed ... especially on game day, when she would pull up in her little black Mercedes. I doubt I'll ever be able to watch another Seahawks game without thinking of her.

I love you mom.