Patricia M. White took her last breath on November 16, 2020 at her home, surrounded by family. Complications from years of smoking, she’d tell you she never had a bad cigarette. That was her way of shutting down the lecture.
Patsy was born April 29, 1937 in Whitehall, Montana to Patti Duncan Martinson and Karl L. Martinson. Patsy was fiercely proud of her Martinson and Duncan ancestry. Give her a minute and she’d tell you a story.
She was educated in the Whitehall schools and graduated with the class of 1955. She attended Colorado Women’s College in Denver. She has lived in Butte since 1965. She was a devoted employee to GCM Services, Inc. for 30 years, until her retirement in 2008.
Once her kids were able to fend for themselves, Patsy took to traveling. She’d visit Philadelphia and Florida with her childhood friend, Susan Taylor Skillman; toured the east coast one October with Jennifer and Gary; New York City with her sister and again for Thanksgiving with Jennifer and kids, bonus daughter Nancy White and granddaughter Emilie; many Black Fridays in Spokane where she and her friends would see just how many packages they could fit in the car for the drive home (which included shopping spots along the way). Steamboatin’ up and down the Mississippi and endless trips to Pacifica, California to see Rebecca and shop the north half of California. Her love of water drew her to all shores, whether it was ocean, lake or river, including Mackinac Island with her good friend Roberta Dapp. Fondly known as Granny Rap after taking her grandsons Brad and John to an Insane Clown Posse concert in Seattle, she was always up for an adventure with her grandkids.
Patsy was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. She served on the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel Board and volunteered for Dust to Dazzle tours every year.
Patsy is survived by her sons Anthony J. Dunne and Thomas E. Dunne, daughters Rebecca S. Parish, her husband Richard, Jennifer W. Petersen and her husband Dean; grandchildren Rachael Garcia, Brad Dunne, his wife Kadie, John Dunne and Anthony Dunne, Ashley Coleman, Jacklyn Dunne and Carissa Dunne, Grace Petersen, Mitchell Petersen and Cave Petersen, plus fifteen great grandchildren; sister Kayel M. White; nephews Monte White and Duncan White and niece Elizabeth Gregerson and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Gary L. White in 1996.
The song ‘Our House’ by Madness could have been written for Patsy. Come on everyone sing along:
Our house in the middle of the street
There was always a crowd
There was always something happening
And it’s usually quite loud
Our mom she’s so house proud
Nothing ever slows her down and a mess is not allowed
She’s the one they’re going to miss in lots of ways
A celebration of Patsy’s life will be held in the spring or when COVID isn’t making the rules. Until then, pour her a gin and tonic, don’t forget the lime, raise your glass and say skål!
Memorials are preferred to the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel or the Butte Archives.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Pat. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Pat and her family.
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M. Welch says
I met Patsy through Emerson school where she was an aid in a classroom. Truly enjoyed her humor and just visiting with her. I will miss her, great lady!
Barry Kippen says
I’m sorry for the pain you must be feeling at this time. In my nearly 40 years at the bank there are a few who I have vivid memories of and Pat was in that group. I can remember her at my desk and encountering her outside the bank and it was always the same. She had a story, she was in a good mood and she was making time for me. When the time comes for a celebration of her life let me know I’d love to join you. Gin ands tonics are great in the spring. Stay safe.
Karen Marinos says
There are so many things that I could say about Patsy. Loved her talking eyes, laughter, honesty and sense of adventure. She came into the Emerson lunchroom with other Grammas and lite up the children with her presense. Loved the break away from serving lunch to sit fir a moment with these classy ladies. She will be missed. Would love to send a card please email me an address.
Dean & Betty says
With deepest sympathy to the entire family from us in Hamilton.
Patsy was always bubbly, helpful, giving and adventuresome. Often speaking so fast one could not keep up. She was admired for her determination and uplifting attitude. The Community has lost a bit of history and character in the loss of Patsy. All the beautiful memories gathered through the years are ours to keep forever.
With heartfelt sympathy and understanding thoughts in this time of sadness during this challenging year.