Patricia Marcum, 72
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 month, 2 weeks AGO
Patricia Lynn Marcum, 72, of Kent, Washington, passed away Oct. 1, 2025, at her home.
She was born Patricia "Pat" Sampson on Aug. 27, 1953, in Kalispell, where she spent her early years cultivating a love of adventure, baseball and the outdoors. She graduated from Flathead High School, class of 1971 and then Eastern Montana College in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in biology. Montana would always hold a special place in her heart and many friendships she would cherish throughout her lifetime.
After marrying Kelly Marcum, starting a family and moving to Washington State, Pat developed a passion for education and spent many years as a paraeducator at Scenic Hill Elementary in the Kent School District. She was active in her Union, her local PEO chapter and the neighborhoods she called home — both in Kent and then Wesley Gardens in Des Moines, Washington. Later in life, she found hockey, becoming a big fan and season ticket holder for the Thunderbirds. She had a caring word for everyone and always said yes to an experience if it meant spending time with those she loved.
She was a sister, an aunt, a partner, a dear friend to many, a loving mother and devoted grandmother. She will remain a well of inspiration to all those she left behind; to live a life of warmth, joy and generosity which she so freely gave to the world. She’ll be remembered for her smile, her hugs, her kindness, her humor and all the love she shared. "Grief is love unfinished" and she was called home too soon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Hal Sampson.
She is survived by her sisters, Jan Loewen and twin, Sue Sampson; daughters, Erin Marcum and Kelsey Roberts; nieces, Elizabeth Loewen and Katie Loewen-Kirscht and her beloved grandchildren, Harrison, Margot, Maisy and Pierce.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, at Kent United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NPR, Planned Parenthood, or Kent United Methodist Church Outreach — or simply take a friend out for coffee, as Pat would have loved.
