Patricia Gaye (Fahey) Malakoff
There will be a celebration of Patti’s life and love Sunday October 14, 2012 at the Kent Senior Activities Center, 600 East Smith Street, Kent, Washington. The celebration will begin at 1 p.m. and is an informal potluck. Feel free to dress casually.
Patricia Gaye (Fahey) Malakoff passed away on the warm and sunny afternoon of Friday September 14, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington following a heart catheterization procedure.
Patti was born on December 2, 1949 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle to John Bernard Fahey and Helen McPherson Fahey. She was followed over the next few years by a brother, Kelly, and a sister, Karen.
She lived her entire childhood in the picturesque town of Edmonds, Washington. She attended Edmonds Public Schools and graduated from Edmonds High School as a member of the class of 1968.
She went on to Shoreline Community College, earning an Associate of Science degree and beginning her life-long career in medical laboratory work. Her first job was in the clinical laboratory at Ballard Hospital. When that stint ended two years later during a labor dispute, she went to Pathologists Central Laboratory, where six years of work introduced her to a group of life-long friends, including her husband, Morris.
In 1983, she moved to the laboratory at nearby Swedish Hospital, where she would stay for nearly 30 years, rising through the ranks to become the supervisor of the Chemistry Department, a position she held at the time of her passing.
Away from her work, Patti enjoyed travel, making extensive trips with her husband throughout most of the USA and nearly a dozen trips to Europe in her lifetime. She also enjoyed fine food, jazz music, her daily morning “double tall non-fat mocha and the continuing sagas of her favorite afternoon soap operas and evenings of NCIS, CSI, The Good Wife and similar programming.
She also had an amazing and deep love for animals, particularly her tuxedo kitty, “Tinky".
She is survived by her husband Morris and the aforementioned Tinky at the family home in Covington, Washington. She is also survived by her two siblings, Kelly and Karen, as well as loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and one nephew.
There will be a celebration of Patti’s life and love Sunday October 14, 2012 at the Kent Senior Activities Center, 600 East Smith Street, Kent, Washington. The celebration will begin at 1 p.m. and is an informal potluck. Feel free to dress casually.
Patti was easily touched by animals of all types and would tear-up at the story of a sick or wounded animal. She believed all animals deserved good homes, health and unconditional love. In lieu of flowers and such, she asked before her death that people wishing to memorialize and honor her life do so either by donating to the Keith D. Grinstein Fund for Cats at the Seattle Humane Society (www.seattlehumane.org), or to your own local or favorite animal welfare agency or make a donation of pet food to your local food bank so that those in need can continue to feel the comfort that a loving pet provides.
Patti’s ashes will be scattered in September 2013 in Ireland and Paris, two of her favorite places on Earth.
Memories
From Arthur Zebelman
Patti lived an admirable life. What more can one aspire to? Please accept our condolences and our wishes for your perseverence and recovery.
Arthur
From Suzanne Malakoff
Patti was a welcome addition to our family. We'll miss here.
From Suzanne Malakoff
Patti was a welcome addition to our family. We'll miss her.
From Steve Johansen
I worked with Patti for 28 years. She was clearly one of the best technologists our organization ever had. As a tech her work was always top notch and she never lost touch of the fact that we were always working in the best interest of the patient. As a supervisor she was fair and reasonable and worked extremely hard to support the employee as well as meet her duties in a management position.
She was taken too soon, and we all will miss her presence. She will never be forgotten and the department will miss her guidance and wisdom for years to come. Rest in peace Patti.
Steve
From valery knauss
Patti was a friend who always inspired me to enjoy the beauty of the seasons, and the special things attached to each each of them. I always thought I was in Ireland or France when I talked with her and loved to watch her bright blue eyes sparkle as she talked about her beloved cat, family, Morris, all her friends, and also Ella Fitzgerald. Though I shall forever miss you here on earth, Patti, I can think of you now in such precious peace in heaven my heart tells me not to be selfish. Love, Val.
From Lisa Woods
Patty was my friend and I will miss her dearly. I worked with her at PCL during the time we reffered to as Camelot. The friendships we all forged there will forever be etched in my heart. She was an amazing Tech, friend and human being. The world has lost a good one.
From Margaret Malakoff
Patti was my daughter-in-law but surely a daughter who I treasured as daughter. I loved her quite, gentle ways and admired her artistic abilities. I shall miss her as my own child.
From Margaret Malakoff
Patti was my daughter-in-law whom I loved as a daughter. I loved her quite gentle ways and admired her artisic abilities. She wrapped a gift to be almost too beauriful to open. She loved Christmas and decorated her home with love of the season and beautiful taste. He family will always miss her.
From valery knauss
Dear Margaret: Thankyou for writing about Patti and Christmas. Her bows on the gifts she gave to me were incredible and I remember how she use to love to listen to Elvis Presley sing his "Blue Christmas". She gave me the most beautiful English tea cup that I have. Val Knauss
From Dorothy Canavan
I worked with Patti during her time at Swedish. Patti was a true professional who have great concern for the patient and fellow employees.
She took her responsibilities very seriously and always tried to do the very best. I enjoyed working with her. She had a very special smile and a great sense of humor. I extend my condolences to Morris and the rest of Patti's family and very close friends. I know she will be missed at the lab and by all who knew her. I feel fortunate to have known Patti.
From Toni Okada
I worked with Patti during our many years together at Swedish and still kept in touch after I left. Patti was an excellent tech, very dedicated and knowledgeable. She was wonderful to work with and I'm sure there is a great sense of loss in the Lab, as well as with her family and friends. One of the things in my collection is the Christmas ornament teapot Patti brought me from London. Now even more treasured. And yes, it was beautifully wrapped. We will miss you Patti.
From Molly Morse
I am saddened to hear of Patti's passing. I worked with Patti as Chemistry Supervisor in scheduling MLT students for training in her department. She was so organized, and willing to help. No matter how busy she was, she always had tme to talk. She was great with students, and students had exceptional training under her guide. She will be greatly missed. My sympathy to friends and family.
From Bruce Ecord
It was quite a shock to hear of Patti's passing. As the days progress here in the lab without her, we come to realize how important her role as Chemistry supervisor was in just the day-to-day operations. She was a good friend and a good co-worker, and we all will surely miss her.
From Douiglas Pegues
Patti and I met at PCL. We have remained friends for over 40 years She was one of God's angels sent to earth to teach us to better people.While at PCL we made mutual friends that were like a small family. We did almost everything together. We took several trips to Canada,went camping, or just got together to enjoy each other's company. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone.I was so happy to attend her and Morris's wedding, even though I had moved back to Illinois. I had returned to Seattle several times. I came to see the city I loved and my loving friends. I am going to miss her. Aii I can say is "If Patti is doesn't go to Heaven, none of us will. I know I will see her again and It will seem like yesgterday. I love my dear!!!!
From Patty Peterson-Rossi
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Patti's very untimely passing. She was there when I started working at Dynacare in 1998, and was always so very friendly, helpful and informative. I cannot imagine the lab without her and i know she will be dearly missed for a long time.
My heartfelt condolences to her husband, family, friends, and of course, her cat.
From Steve Johansen
It was great to see all the employees and former employees attend Patti's memorial in Kent.Thanks to all who came.
Now the search for a replacement will go on, and there will be no clear applicants with her technical skills and
particularly her people skills in my opinion. A great co-worker,a dedicated employee, and a heart as big as they get.
Something that the "metrics" will never show. Thanks Morris for sharing her all these years, and best of luck to you in the time ahead.
Steve
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