Patricia Joy (Wamboldt) Dobberstein Obituary (1946 - 2020)

Patricia Joy Dobberstein, a devoted mother and grandmother, died suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in Tacoma, Washington, on Friday, July 17, 2020. She was 74 years old. Patricia (Pat, Patty) is survived by her four children, Joel Dobberstein, Aaron Dobberstein (Jessica Dobberstein), Rachel Dobberstein Austin (Mikal Austin) and Micah Dobberstein; and her five grandchildren Ainsley, Camden, Levi, Micayah, and Kashdon. She was preceded in death by her courageous soldier medic daughter, Hannah Noel Dobberstein, who died in Kuwait in 1999. Patricia was born on January 25, 1946 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the daughter of Henry and Elaine Wamboldt. She moved to Washington state in 1976, where she built a life caring for her five children, as well as working full time as a veterinary technician. Referred to by a longtime friend as an "aircraft carrier" undeterred by the storming seas around her, Patty relied on her unwavering faith in her Lord to guide her through the many challenges that she faced. She was a life-long nature lover, who found joy in the simplest pleasures, such as a bird's feather found on a walking path or a newly discovered tuft of sheep fur stuck in barbed wire fence to tuck in her pocket for later viewing. She was an avid gardener, nurturing a small oasis in her home and yard, with hundreds of potted plants and flowers, each of which held its own unique story. She always yearned to see the world and was able to travel in later years with her children to Europe, Australia, and numerous adventures throughout the United States. Adopting the fanciful saying Mathom Keep, meaning "Collector of Life", she filled her home with treasures that were her life's collection, each with a story to convey its meaning and intention. Leading a simple and fulfilling life, she was a genuine, caring, and engaging human being, who loved her children, grandchildren, and the mystery of life most of all. There will be a memorial service for her immediate family at 11am PT on Friday, July 24, 2020 with livestream available through Zoom (information below). A public viewing will be Friday, July 24, 2020 from 4-8pm at Weeks Dryer Mortuary located at 220 134th St S, Tacoma, WA 98444. The family encourages those who knew her to take one or more of her plants home from the viewing as a living legacy to honor Pat. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to charities that Pat supported and were meaningful to her, such as Sierra Club or The Nature Conservancy. For livestream of memorial service: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83652056888?pwd=dmlEV3RJaVVVcjBsZGwrRjA2TkFJdz09 Meeting ID: 836 5205 6888 Passcode: 1946