Patricia Ann (Switter)'s Obituary
Patricia Ann (Switter) McCormackLTC, Army Nurse Corps (Ret.)Died Sept. 27, 2004Patti died peacefully at home on Monday, Sept. 27, 2004. She was valiant in her short battle with lung cancer and its ravishes to the body. Her time came too quickly following diagnosis. She leaves an incredible void in the lives and hearts of her loving family, former colleagues, students, her multitude of friends and the community in which she served with commitment and compassion. Her Nursing career took many tracks, the most recent as instructor at the Tacoma Community College Registered Nursing program. This was preceded by eight years as Health Care Investigator, WA State Dept. of Health, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. Her 20-year Army Nurse Corps career concluded at Madigan Army Medical Center in 1991, where she held the position of Chief, Critical Care Nursing Section. Patti was born to George Patrick and Helen Rosalie (Keaveny) Switter on Sept. 13, 1942 in Seattle WA. She attended St MargaretÂ's Grade School and Holy Names Academy. She received her Nursing Degree at Seattle University 1964 and Masters in Nursing in 1981 from the Univ. of Texas, Austin. Patti married Robert L. McCormack on Sept. 23, 1967, who preceded her in death shortly after marriage. She remained very close to his family throughout her life. Other Military Nursing positions held were: Director, ICU Nursing Course, San Antonio, TX: Deputy Director, PN Course, Fayetteville, NC; Clinical Head Nurse and Ambulatory Care Supervisor, 225th Station Hospital, Munich, Germany. Military honors include Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal with first Oak Leaf Cluster. Former civilian positions included School Nurse, Renton School District, staff nursing at area hospitals and Community Health Nurse for Seattle King County Health Dept. She was a Missionary Nurse to the Catholic Diocese of the Bahamas in Nassau. Her community involvements were many but none more important than serving as Volunteer Coordinator of the Care and Compassion Program at St. Frances Cabrini Parish for several years until her illness. Patti is survived by her loving sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ellen and Zane Estes, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sallee and Robert Bruce, sisters-in-law Mickey Pierce and Eva McCormack, many nieces, nephews and cousins, grand nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her Â"nephew-dogÂ" Kalvan. Patti will be lovingly remembered as a kind, gentle and faith filled Irish woman who always put the needs of others first. Vigil Service for Patti will be at 3Pm Sunday Oct. 3, 2004 and Funeral Liturgy at 11AM Monday, Oct. 4, 2004, both at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 5505 108th St. SW, Lakewood. Committal Service will be at Holy Rood Cemetery, 1200 noon in Seattle on Tuesday, October 5, 2004. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions suggested for tuition assistance at St. Frances Cabrini School or to the Franciscan Hospice of Tacoma.
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