Patricia Anne Korby of Whidbey Island passed away Oct. 16, 2005, after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Santa Monica, Calif., in 1942 and died in her dream house in Coupeville.

Patty went to college in Sacramento. It was there that the traveling bug bit her; she attended United Airlines Flight Attendant School and went on to fly with United for 36 years. In her travels she made friends in every corner of the globe. She became very active with the flight Attendants Union, and learned to use her charm and loving disposition to help fight for the rights of her fellow United Employees.

Patty always had a positive outlook on the bleakest of situations and could always ease the fears and worries of her distraught coworkers. And as Patty matured she brought more of her working life into her personal life. She always offered a shoulder to cry on and a sympathetic ear to listen. But most of all, she made your physical comfort her own personal responsibility. A visit to Patty’s was like flying first class only better. She would fluff up your pillow, or freshen your drink with a blonde haired blue-eyed smile that would warm you to your soul.

Her job with United afforded her more time off than most, and with that time she was constantly doing volunteer work: the animal shelter, the winery, thrift store and the airline unions. Patty was always generous with everything she had, her time, her talents, and her finances. Her passion was to see the world and meet people. She loved making friends as well as sharing them and playing matchmaker. She was a source of inspiration to those who knew her and a beautiful stranger to those who didn’t. She could fly a hundred people to their dreams and make sure they arrived comfortably, and through her quiet self-confidence, ease the fears of the most terrified travelers. 

Patty always maintained a wit that was as sharp as a razor and faster than the speed of light. She always had a nugget of wisdom that could put your mind at ease and stayed with you forever. This kind of wisdom can only come from a lifetime of education, in the classroom of traveling. 

She is survived by her father, John Korby, brother Tom Korby, sister Barbara Korby, her baby sister Deborah “Jo” Vanderpool and so many other family and friends. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.

Forever you will live in our hearts and memories.

For a person is not judged by how much they love.

But by how much they are loved by others.

May you rest in peace.