June 7, 1957 – May 6, 2025

Patricia “Patti” Erickson-Walker, 67, of Connell, WA, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at Trios Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Patti was born on June 7, 1957, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her family later moved to the San Juan Islands, where she grew up and graduated from Friday Harbor High School. Patti went on to attend Central Washington University, earning her degree in education and beginning a lifelong commitment to public service and learning.

In 1980, Patti began her teaching career in Connell, WA, as a 6th grade teacher—a community she would grow to love and remain dedicated to for the rest of her life. On August 13, 1983, she married the love of her life, Bill Walker, and immediately embraced her role as stepmother to Bill Jr., Kim, and Tom. With humor and heart, she often reflected on the unique adventure of gaining three stepchildren in 9th, 7th, and 5th grades overnight.

Patti and Bill shared a beautiful life together, filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They traveled extensively in their RV, including a memorable extended trip to Alaska with family and friends. Both avid sports fans, they loved watching the Seattle Mariners and even named their cat Griffey after Ken Griffey Jr. To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Grandma Griffey.”

After retiring from teaching in 2013, Patti continued her dedication to education by serving on the Connell School Board as a director and vice chair. She was a proud supporter of Connell High School athletics, rarely missing a baseball game and keeping score at basketball games.

Patti’s early years in Friday Harbor were filled with 4-H, horseback riding, and evenings at the San Juan County Fair, where she was especially talented in barrel racing. She also played the French horn in band and sang in the choir—activities that reflected her deep appreciation for music. Throughout her life, she found joy in reading and knitting, and during her college years, she worked in the student union building at CWU.

Patti is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Bill Walker Sr., who passed away on August 15, 2023, and her parents, Rod Erickson and Claire “Kay” (Burns) Erickson.

She is survived by her stepchildren: William Roy (Bill Jr.) and his wife Kimberly; Kimberlee Christine (Kim) Newell and her husband Ben; and Thomas Russell (Tom) and his wife Jennifer. She also leaves behind her brother, Mike (Kim) Erickson; sister, Diane (Eric) Jangard; grandchildren Carly (Nick) Mankus, Christopher (Taylor) Walker, Cameron Walker, Gator (Jimena) Newell, Gunnar (Madeline) Newell, Sierra (Jayce) French, Allison Walker (partner Jonathon Knippenberg), Ashley (Andrew) Walker-Campbell, and Adam Walker; and great-grandchildren Berkeley, Fletcher, Ellie, Hailey, Mason, Gideon, and Benny; niece and nephews, Brooke Aylward (Ryan), Alex Jangard (Mallory), Kyle Jangard (Maren), Luke Erickson, Hank Erickson.

Patti’s warmth, humor, and deep devotion to family, students, and community will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. May you rest in peace, Patti. We love you!