Obituary of Patricia Lee Macaluso

Pat Macaluso was born Patricia Lee Koski November 3, 1935 in Cheyenne Wyoming to William and Helen Koski. Pat's toughness and survival skills were developed early in life growing up with three brothers Bill, Jerry and Bob. Pat gained her brothers' respect by fending herself which included fist fighting with them. There was a soft hearted side to Pat that brought the admiration of everyone who knew her that started at an early age. Pat could not resist helping individual's who lost their way and needed help. This started with stray animals when she was younger. She was always bringing strays home even knowing her father would not be pleased. Pat's family moved to the Tacoma area in 1948. She attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953. She met Joe Macaluso working at the Bon Marche and they were married in 1954. Pat and Joe had four children Tony, Jeff, Pamela and Bryan. During their lives together Pat and Joe were entrepreneurs. They built a very successful chain of shoe and women appeal stores called Stanley's and The Lemon Tree starting in the 50's through the 70's. Pat and Joe's marriage ended along with their business. However, they remained very close friends to the end of her life. Pat continued to be close to the Macaluso family joining in family functions and including them in hers. In 1988 Pat lost her first son Tony in a car accident. Pat built a successful insurance business before venturing into real estate. Buying homes, fixing them up and renting them she built enough wealth for retirement. During this time, she also was a Mountain Man representative which she built into a successful route to help finance her real estate endeavors. During this time in her life she fell in love with her long time partner Morris (Mr. Mac) McCollum. Pat and Mac lived in Fife, WA. She saw her children get married, have children and raise their families while always involved and supportive. Pat was very proud of her children and grandchildren. Her son Jeff and wife Laura gave her two grandsons, Beau and Max. Her daughter Pamela and husband Chris gave her another grandson, Colby. Finally her youngest son, Bryan and wife Maria gave her a grandson Anthony and granddaughter Sierra. Throughout Pat's life she enjoyed helping people. If she found someone in need she was there for them. Whether it was giving them odd jobs to make some income or just visiting someone who was lonely, Pat tried to help however she could. Pat was into organic gardening and was always supplying her family and friends with fresh vegetables and cut flowers. She also saw the benefit of homeopathic medicine and was very interested in alternative means for healthy living. It is with great sorrow her family and friends say goodbye to her and yet we have great happiness and pride in knowing and loving such a wonderful person.