Patricia Joy Musselman, 61, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away just as the Independence Day fireworks faded into the sky on July 5, 2016. The timing of her death with the holiday captured her spectacular strength, grace and beauty. Pat was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer at the age of 44 and courageously fought the metastasis and side effects to her liver and brain for 16 years. Her life’s journey ended when the cancer returned to her liver.

Pat was born Jan. 14, 1955, in Boise to Jack and Elaine Aldrich. In her youth, Pat was an accomplished ballet dancer and led the Capital High School drill team as they marched in Washington, D.C. After graduating in 1973, she attended the University of Idaho where that fall she met the love of her life, Jerry Musselman. They married six short months later and have spent 42 years together. As a young couple they lived in Milwaukee, Seattle, Missoula and Kalispell. In 1977, after moving to Missoula, their first daughter Julie was born. In 1980, on the day after Christmas in Kalispell, their second daughter Janel arrived.

In 1984, Jerry and Pat made a life changing decision to join Jerry’s brother, Dan, in the operation of Musselman Construction from Orofino, Idaho. Pat focused on the raising of her girls, but knew she needed to be a role model by finishing her own college degree. She enrolled at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston commuting an hour each way to attend classes and earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with honors. Pat applied her degree as vice president of Musselman Rentals & Sales when she and Jerry became the sole owners of the family equipment business with locations in Lewiston and Spokane.

Throughout Pat’s life, with and without cancer, she disarmed people with her bright smile, sense of humor and courage. She loved crafts, traveling, golfing, boating, walking and volunteering in the schools. Pat also participated in community service organizations, helped start a women’s investment club, and delighted in entertaining family and friends. Despite a grim prognosis in 2002, she beat all odds enjoying the marriages of both her daughters, the birth of three grandchildren and realizing a dream of a home on Lake Coeur d’Alene. In recent years, Pat found joy in daily visits from Mildred, reading, playing bridge, and cheering on the Zags and Seahawks.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jerry; daughters Julie Kent (Zeek) and Janel Medley (Ryan); grandchildren Madelynn Knight, Leo Knight and Hannah Medley; mother-in-law Mildred Musselman; brother-in-law Dan Musselman (Shelly); nephew Patrick Musselman (Crystal); nieces Mary Jo Musselman and Kelsey Kayan; many cousins, and several very dear friends. Pat is predeceased by her parents, Jack and Elaine Aldrich; brother Jack Aldrich and father-in-law Leo Musselman.

The family extends with heartfelt gratitude special thanks to the doctors, nurses, therapists and caregivers who so compassionately cared for Pat over the last 16 years.

It was Pat’s request, no memorial service be held and her ashes will be spread by her family at a later date. You may view her online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Hospice House of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835 or Lewiston Library Foundation, P.O. Box 1055, Lewiston, ID 83501.