Patsy Staggs Reinard, 66, a longtime resident of Sedro-Woolley and Burlington for the past 44 years, died July 15, 2002, at her home in Burlington after a brave, courageous and gallant 11-year battle with aggressive breast cancer. She gave it her all, fighting to hopefully find out there was a cancer breakthrough for her and others just around the corner.
Patsy was born Aug. 10, 1935, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham to Boyd and Evelyn Konsel Staggs. Her father Boyd was well known in Bellingham for his many athletic activities and in 1998 he was honored at Western Washington University as a member of Western’s first Athletic Hall of Fame.
Patsy graduated from Bellingham High School and in 1953 and from Western Washington College of Education in 1957. She was married to Bill Reinard in Bellingham Aug. 24, 1958. For many years she taught at various elementary schools for the Burlington Edison School District.
She later found her calling as a professional food and beverage demonstrator and she really loved her jobs. She started out working for Northwest Demo Service working at various supermarkets from Seattle to Blaine, later Continental Baking Company where she was known as the Twinkie Lady. She also worked for Millstone Coffee and for the past three years she gave out samples of pizza and became known as the Pizza Lady.
Always with a ready smile on her face and care and concern for those she came in contact with, Patsy loved making a difference in peoples’ lives.
For many years, Patsy was very involved with Anacortes International Folk Dancers where she once served on the board of directors.
Walking up Burlington Hill with her precious dog Missy was always an important part of her day. Lately the Washington Park Loop Road in Anacortes had been her favorite spot to walk with her dog Dottie, who was a real comfort and joy to her.
Since 1988, volkswalking played a big role in her life. Just recently she completed 7,500 kilometers and 650 volkswalks everywhere from Alaska to Canada. Many wonderful times were spent in British Columbia with her many Canadian friends.
Patsy previously belonged to Rainbow Girls in Bellingham, Skagit Alpine Club and Mount Baker Hiking Club. She currently belonged to Beta Sigma Phi in Sedro-Woolley, Northwest Tulip Trekkers, Central Lutheran Church in Bellingham and attended Bethleham Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley.
Patsy is survived by her husband Bill Reinhard of the family home in Burlington and a brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Betty Staggs of Bellingham. Numerous cousins, many wonderful friends and her dear little dog Dottie also survive.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 20, and Monday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lemley Chapel. Graveside services will be Tuesday, July 23, at 10 a.m. at Greenacres Cemetery in Ferndale with a memorial service to follow at noon at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Walter Rice officiating. A reception dinner will follow at the church.
Memorials are suggested to Skagit Animal Shelter, Skagit Hospice and WAIF in Coupeville. Arrangements are by Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
You may share your thoughts and memories of Patsy by signing the online guest register at
www.lemleychapel.com.
