Mary Patricia (Pat) Aeppli passed away on Monday, October 15th at the age of 84. She was born Mary Patricia Caton on November 28, 1927 in Vernonia, Oregon to Cleo Caton (Weems) and Carter S. Caton. When Pat was three years of age, the family moved back to their home in Texas where they stayed for the next eight years. Upon moving back to Oregon , Pat finished her elementary and high school education, graduating from Vernonia High School in 1946.
After working to make money enough for college, Pat enrolled at Oregon State University , studying Art. She was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority and stayed in touch with her sorority sisters for the rest of her life.
During summer employment at Timberline Lodge, Pat met Walter Jakob Aeppli, an engineer from Switzerland , who also worked at the Lodge. She and Walt were married in Portland on March 23, 1952 and lived in Government Camp. They raised two daughters, Christine & Shelby and built a house in Rhododendron in 1964. Pat & Walt were married for 55 years until his death in 2007.
Pat was a gentle soul with a quiet, thoughtful nature and a strong faith in God. A devoted wife and mother, her creative spirit was evident in all that she did. As a talented seamstress, she could sew a school choir uniform or community theatrical costume on short notice. She lovingly created both of her daughters’ wedding gowns. Pat was a natural artist who especially enjoyed working in pastels, creating still lifes and portraits. Of a cautious nature and rather delicate, Pat was not one for athletic endeavors. Nonetheless, she once joined a bowling league and even won a trophy. She excelled in cooking and baking. Inspired by Walter’s Swiss heritage, she loved creating the delicious cuisine of that area. With Walter’s homemade bread and Pat’s savory meals, their warm hospitality touched many. Pat donated her time and abilities over the years to volunteer work with many organizations: For several years she worked with the Columbia River Girl Scouts as a troop leader, day camp coordinator and site manager for the Homestead camp in Rhododendron. Other volunteer work included: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, PTA, OSU Extension Service, Hoodland Women's Club, Garden Club, Wy’east Artisans Guild, Portland Swiss Ladies Club, Helvetia-Alpengluehn and Friends of Timberline.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her sister, Shelby Wofford of Cuero, TX; brother, Hugh Caton of Hillsboro, OR and son-in-law, Robert Henkel of North Bend, WA. She is survived by her daughters, Christine Buck & husband Casey Buck of Sandy, OR and Shelby Imholt & husband Tom Imholt of Hillsboro, OR; two nephews, John Wofford (Marianne) of Victoria, TX and H. Riley Caton (Karen) of Gresham, OR; grandchildren, Carli Buck Kienholz (Mike), Cara Buck Fischer (Troy), Cavin Buck (Julia) and Anna Henkel; great-niece, Bonnie Caton and three great-grandchildren, Austin Kienholz; Cona Fischer and Laura Buck.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 3rd, 2pm, at Sandy Funeral Home, 39551 Pleasant St., Sandy, Oregon 97055, (503) 668-6015. A short reception will follow at the funeral home for those unable to join the friends & family gathering TBA.