Patricia "Patty" Ann Wilkerson

Patricia "Patty" Wilkerson, 80, of Ferndale, Washington, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 17th 2023. She was born on April 4th 1943, in Everett, Washington, to the late Al and Catherine Goralski. She grew up in Mukilteo and it has always held a special place in her heart. She was married to the love of her life William “Bill” Wilkerson at St. Mary Magdalen Church in 1962. Patty was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Faith was an integral part of her life; she attended St. Mary Magdalen catholic school and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church for over 55 years. She dedicated much of her time and talents to the church; volunteering as a Eucharistic Minister, being a part of Jesus Day Camp arts & crafts, and creating beautiful banners for church celebrations. Every Sunday you could find her in the 3rd center pew on the right with her beloved church ladies aka “the fallen angels”.

Watching her children and later her grandchildren grow and participate in sports and other activities brought Patty tremendous joy and pride. Rain or shine you could always look up in the stands and see her there cheering you on and letting the refs know what they missed. To all that really knew her, she was “Mama”. She wore the name as a badge of honor and truly was the best “Mama” any of us could have asked for.

Patty was also known for her creativity and talent; even as a lefty which she always reminded us made everything tougher. She enjoyed quilting, cross-stitching, and ceramics. Every holiday the house was filled with different hand-made crafts or hand painted ceramics, she’d simply shrug her shoulders and smile when asked if she had really made those. It wasn’t uncommon to find her upstairs in her sewing room fixing somebody's pants, sewing a blanket for a family member, or making a new craft for the upcoming holiday.

Patty took being a homemaker seriously and always had a meal on the stove or leftovers in the fridge. Her baking talent was second to none and her Chocolate Chip cookies always went quicker than she could bake them.  Her home was a source of pride, and she always prioritized her family's well-being over her own.

Patty is survived by her loving children, William Wilkerson Jr, (Bill), James David Paul Wilkerson, (Jim) and Catherine Raymond. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Aaron Wilkerson (wife Ashley), Austin Wilkerson, Chelsea Wilkerson, Ashley Wilkerson, Camden Raymond, and great-grandson Atlas Wilkerson. Patty was preceded in death by her husband, William Wilkerson (Bill), father Al Goralski, mother Catherine Goralski, sister Cheryl Goralski, and beloved best-friend/cousin Sharon Dallas.

A funeral mass in memory of Patty will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church located at 5781 Hendrickson Ave, Ferndale at 10:30am on Thursday, September 21^st with graveside service immediately after at Enterprise Cemetery, 7041 Vista Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248. Fellowship will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church following the graveside service.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful employees at Christian Healthcare in Lynden for their care and compassion the last two years for our beloved Mama.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to:

Christian Health Care Services

855 Aaron Drive Lynden, WA  98264