Patricia Lynn Chambers, daughter of Chester and Louise Nordstrom, was born in Helena, Montana on April 12, 1948. She attended St. Ann’s Catholic Elementary School and Cathedral Catholic High School. In 1967, she married her high school sweetheart and best friend Chuck Chambers. In their 45 years of marriage they raised two children and had the pleasure of watching their four grandchildren grow up. Pat was a dedicated wife and loving mother.
Pat was most in her element when she was in the kitchen. She was a fantastic cook and baker. She spent many years baking and decorating wedding cakes out of her home. She also enjoyed teaching and sharing her craft with others who shared the same interest.
Pat was in charge of the school lunch program in the East Helena School system for many years, it was there she picked up the nickname “Patty Melt”, a name that some of her “kids” called her for the rest of her life. When her work was done in East Helena, she went on to run the lunch program at the Montana City School for a number of years. Any kid that had a meal in one of her kitchens will still remember homemade rolls each day and “sticky buns” a couple of times each month – they were awesome. Pat took great pride in her work and got great satisfaction knowing that no one left her kitchen hungry. She was also a lifelong member of Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. She was proud to be a member of the East Helena community and loved its residents.
Pat was diagnosed with cancer and Alzheimer’s disease in 2007. She faced that reality with great courage and grace. She and her beloved husband spent the next six years living each moment to the fullest. Together they hiked, bird hunted, fished, played on their boat and rode their four wheeler. The memories they created were the best gifts they could have given each other and anyone else who had the pleasure to see them together.
Pat spent the last nine months of her life at the Aspen Gardens Assisted Living Facility. She passed away peacefully on June 27th surrounded by her family and the loving staff at Aspen Gardens. Our family cannot express in words the gratitude we have for the tender care and love she received from the staff there. Pat was loved by all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed.
Pat was preceded in death by her father Chester Nordstrom and her mother-in-law, Amy Chambers. She is survived by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Chambers; her two children, Angie (Paul) Lewis and Jerry (Steph) Chambers; four grandchildren, Shelby (Luke) Dutton, Kelsey Chambers, Jimmy Chambers, and Ty Lewis; her mother, Louise Nordstrom; sisters, Shirley (Dean) McKnight and Susan Alvey; brother-in-law, Allen (Kathy) Chambers; nieces and nephews, Lawrence Hortick, Daniel Hortick, Amanda McKnight, Casey McKnight, Trey Alvey, Tara (Corey) Palmer, Kristen (Levi) Clausen, and Mark Chambers..
A Vigil service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday July 2, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Rite of Committal will be a St. Ann’s Cemetery immediately following the funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Pat’s name be sent to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 N. Rodney St #102, Helena, MT 59601 or a hospice of your choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Pat.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 2, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 3, 2013
Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Immedaitley following Funeral Mass
Wednesday July 3, 2013
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 2, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 3, 2013
Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Immedaitley following Funeral Mass
Wednesday July 3, 2013
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana
Pamela LaFountaine says
I am so very sorry to hear about Patricia’s passing.
I knew her when I worked with OPI school food services and have many fond memories of her as a wonderful person and great cook/baker.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God bless you.
Pamela LaFountaine
Jody Pace says
Angie & Jerry,
I so loved your mom, first meeting her when I taught each of you in fourth grade, and from that point on, as a true personal friend. Pat was, without a doubt, one of the kindest people I have ever met. My heart goes out to you for your loss, but how happy I am that Pat has now been released from that awful illness. I hope you draw strength in knowing that your separation from your dear mother is only for a time. When you see her again in heaven it will be a wonderful reunion! My best to your entire family as you go through this difficult time.
Kathy Brothers says
Chuck & Angie & Jerry &Shirley
I want to send my thoughts & prayers to all of you. I loved & cared about your Mom very much. Pat was an amazing woman and I wish I would of had the privilege of knowing her earlier. If you need anything just give me a call. I well be thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
God Bless You All! Kathy
DEBBIE MURGEL SCHRAMM says
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. SHE WAS A GREAT LADY, SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HER FACE. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEART AND LOOKING DOWN ON YOU ALL. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEART. SHE IS AT PEACE AND SHE WILL BE WITH THE ANGELS. MY THOUGHT AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. KEEP YOUR CHINS UP.
Glen Cuchine says
My thoughts and prayers are with Pat’s family at this time. Pat will forever be remembered for her wonderful ‘East Helena Spirit’. She and Chuck were such a wonderful couple and always so perfect together. May the wonderful memories of Pat and her life provide each of you with a measure of comfort in the coming days and years.
Marlene Coyle Logfellow says
Chuck, you are in my thoughts and prayers, remember good times to Patty growing up in East Helena just 2 blocks away, she was a wonderful women and our summers were full of fun and laughs as young children.
Diana Shipman Buckley says
Angie and Jerry,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Pat as a warm, caring woman. Although it has been many years since I have seen you, I have often thought of you and Pat and Chuck. Your mom always treated me kindly and was always happy. She was a neat lady and I am sure she touched many lives the way she did mine with her warm, kind way. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ryan Fandrich says
Chuck, Angie & Jerry,
What a great lady…She always had a smile,I have many great memories growing up in the neighborhood. My thoughts are with you.
Carol Marron Dolan says
I knew Pat and her family in East Helena through grade school and high school. I was also a parishioner at St. Mary’s when she was on staff there. She was a lovely, gracious person, such a hard worker and so helpful to all of us. She touched a lot of our lives and I know she will be missed. My prayers are with your family.
Elaine Mueller-Cantu says
Shirley,
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister Patty Lynn. Although I didn’t know her personally, I remember stories you would tell about her and her children. She was a wonderful lady and touched many lives in a positive way. I pray you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. Our prayers to your mother and Susan as well.
Denae Cason Frieling says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Pat well but I remember her always having a smile on her face. I’m grateful to her for agreeing to make my wedding cake, even though she was no longer doing them. It was a beautiful work of art! I hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.
Tina Tillo says
Chuck, Angie and Jerry and family,
So very sorry to hear about your wife, and mom.. Tony and I of course being from East Helena, always had fond memories of Pat in the lunch room at Clinton St School. She was a super fantastic lady and will be missed by so many. Our deepest sympathies are with all of you.
Take Care..
Tina
Jay Ramlo says
Chuck, Angie, Jerry
Sorry to learn of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Peace, Jay Ramlo