Margaret Janet Patjens

November 28, 1926 - February 18, 2022
Tacoma, Washington - Margaret Janet Patjens (McCaffrey)

Margaret Patjens was a native of Tacoma, Washington. She attended Lincoln High School, graduating in 1945, while most male classmates were overseas fighting in WWII, and her Japanese friends were in internment camps. Oh, the stories she could tell! She spent the summers at the family vacation home in Spanaway Lake where she met William Patjens after his service in the Aleutian Islands during WWII. He stopped her while boating on the lake, thinking she had stolen her brother's boat! It was a whirlwind romance and the two married in 1949 at the Little Church on the Prairie.
Margaret and Bill raised four daughters, instilling in them a love of nature and creativity. The evening meal, prepared by Margaret, was time for sharing the daily activities around the family dinner table. She often spent her time sewing, embroidering, knitting and crocheting, along with the task of taking care of the family budget. (Later a crocheted blanket was made following the birth of each grandchild.) She enjoyed painting, ceramics and most of all she was an avid photographer, winning many awards at local fairs. And who could forget her famous green jello salad - a favorite at every gathering.
She was active in the PTA both in Highline and Peninsula school districts, volunteering her time while the children and grandchildren were in school. Fellow Peninsula alumni will remember Margaret fondly as a Girl Scout leader, bringing grace and originality to the troop. She and Bill were active with the Gig Harbor Float committee, holding various leadership positions. They designed, built and traveled to various local parades with the float, representing Gig Harbor and the Daffodil princesses in the 70's.
Margaret lived in Hawaii and California a few years following the death of Bill in 1978. Living her life with vigor - always up for an adventure. Cruising to Alaska and the Caribbean, exploring Ireland's countryside, and visiting Disneyland too many times to count! She used her photography skills to capture unique moments of her travels around the U.S. and the world. She often would get in her little car and drive where ever the wind blew! Margaret studied for and received her Amateur Radio license - call sign KA7RYG- participating in many events.
She held various jobs throughout her life, working at the Gig Harbor Candle Shop, a jewelry store on Maui, a bank in California, and at the Highline community college bookstore where she eventually retired, and kept friendships for many years. Through the years Margaret maintained a strong bond with her High School friends, attending reunions, summer picnics, and hosted an annual Christmas party up until 2018.
In the early 90's Margaret fought a battle with breast cancer and won! She maintained her positive attitude through surgery and radiation treatments. She remained healthy and active for decades following her fight with cancer.
Margaret is survived by her daughters Janet (Charles) Margelli of Garden Grove, CA, Jackie (John) Fisher of Tacoma, Jeanne (DeWayne) Reichert of Vaughn, and Joanne (Steve) Messeri of Strongsville, OH; grandchildren in order: Christina (Jeff) LaSource, Kelsey (Corey) Alix, Michael (Sangah) Messeri, Jeffrey Fisher, Jesse (Mari) Patjens and Gina Messeri, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Margaret is preceded in death by William R. Patjens, her husband of 29 years, her brother John McCaffrey, parents John and Alice McCaffrey, and many friends and family members.
Special thanks for David and Ayda with Marine View Adult Family home for their love and compassionate care. At Margaret's request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Nature Conservancy in her name.