Mary Patricia “Pattie” Quinn, 62, died at home in Petaluma on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. Pattie was an example of strength, love, and hope throughout her illness—the same values she used in teaching children.

Pattie was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 14, 1953, a daughter of Frank Fogarty and the late Dorothy Reilly. She married her husband of 39 years, Dick Quinn, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. After graduating from the University of Portland in 1975, she moved to Palmer, Alaska, where she was an elementary school educator. She was awarded BP Teacher of Excellence in 2001, and in 2004 she was awarded “Educator of the Year” by the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce. She moved to Petaluma, California, in 2013.

Pattie was a very caring and giving person. Children were attracted to her because she gave them her attention. Pattie was a child advocate volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in the Anchorage Court System. She was also a devoted volunteer for homeless families through Family Promises and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Palmer, Alaska.

In addition to her father, two brothers, and six sisters, Pattie is survived by her husband Dick Quinn; a son, Ryan Quinn of Los Angeles, California; and daughter, Kelly Quinn of Spokane, Washington.