PATRICIA D. BROKAW

Forty-year Alaska resident Patricia D. Brokaw, born May 12, 1942, in Lorain, Ohio, died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2001, at Providence Alaska Medical Center at the age of 59. She resided in Wasilla.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 23 at 3 p.m. at the Abbott Loop Community Center Chapel (Lake Otis and Abbott Road). A celebration of her life will follow at 4 p.m. at the new Hilltop Ski Lodge (7015 Abbott Road).

In 1961, she and Bill Brokaw adventured to Anchorage from Michigan in a Cadillac hearse. In 1962, with true pioneer spirit, they created a loving home and family on Our Road off O'Malley, starting with son Daniel and seven years later, daughter Susan.

Her loved ones wrote: "Pat was a survivor with tremendous zest for life. Pat's family came first without limitations. Also important to Pat were church activities, constant communication with her countless friends, and the passion to excel in her professional endeavors. Pat, warmly known as the Service High "Lunch Lady" and "Coffee Lady" about town, also dedicated her tireless energy to a myriad of adventures, like alpine ski racing with her children, building her own home, and snowmachining. Pat was also an essential volunteer for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Races and the Miller's Reach fire.

"The game of golf became her recreational obsession, as she could be heard over the planes of Palmer, the hills of Settlers, and the geese of O'Malley's. Hopefully there are enough golf balls in heaven.

"In recent years, granddaughters Samantha and Cassidy have been the sunshine of Pat's life. The joy, love, and happiness she shared with them are forever etched in our memories."

She is survived by friend, Bill Brokaw; son, Daniel Brokaw, and his wife, Erin Bashaw; daughter, Susan Berger, and her husband, Michael, and their daughters, Sam and Cassidy; sister, Georgene Dance; stepmother, Emily Bires; and stepbrother, Bob Bires.

Her loved ones wrote: "Her zest for life will be greatly missed and by having Pat in our lives, we truly are the lucky ones. Pat's circle of friends were so varied, in lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation of your choice."