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Patricia Drauch ’47

Patty passed away peacefully at the age of 90 in the home of Vicky and Mike Cojocariu, where she had lived for the past four and a half years, with loving friends at her side.

She was born in Tacoma, Washington, to Andrew and Louise Drauch, and by the age of five was attending boarding school in Vancouver at the Washington State School for the Blind. Patty would recall how difficult it was to be so far away from her family at such a tender age, but was grateful for the education she received.

A bright and gifted student, she graduated early from high school and attended Reed for a year prior to entering the workforce.  She had a number of different jobs before taking a position at what is now Oregon Health and Science University as a secretary/transcriptionist for the autopsy service, a position she held for 30 years until retirement. She loved her work there and all the interesting people she met over the years.

Patty enjoyed a long and healthy retirement, staying busy in her northeast Portland home. She loved to garden and work in her yard, knit, and travel. She hosted all manner of get-togethers, and was especially fond of live theatre and musical performances. For many years she sang at the St. Rose Catholic Church. She was an active member of the Oral Hull Foundation in Sandy, which provides a 22-acre park as a special place for persons with blindness or poor vision, and had a vacation home there. She participated actively in a number of organizations to promote independent living for the blind.

Patty was the matriarch of her family and enjoyed hosting holiday meals and many parties. She had a large circle of friends who loved her dearly and will be remembered for her grace, wit, and wisdom, as well as for her beautiful smile, mischievous giggle, and impeccable sense of style. She had a life well lived.

Appeared in Reed magazine: June 2016

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