Patricia Marie Piccolo

Patricia Sterley was born to Bruce and Joan Sterley in Coulee Dam, Washington, March 10, 1949.

Pat was the type of person who left an indelible impression on everyone she met; numerous people commented that "there was something very special about that woman." That character quality never left her, but rather seemed to intensify. Pat had an excellent sense of humor and a hearty taste for chocolate, and she was a skilled card player, a really great cook, and a super mom, teacher and mentor. She loved the Lord, she loved people, and people loved her.

During her two-year illness, doctors and nurses warmed up to her immediately. At her job at Bell Substation (2000-2015), people would travel all the way from Portland, Oregon, just to meet her because they had heard so much about her. The favor of the Lord in her life was more than evident.

Her family moved to Seattle when she was in the seventh grade, where she attended and graduated from Lincoln High School. Later her family moved back to Coulee Dam while she remained working in Seattle. Pat then moved to and worked in San Francisco, California, before moving back to Coulee Dam.

Pat and Vic Piccolo married in December 1977, as a result of her prayers and Vic's. God miraculously answered those prayers and sent this miracle woman to help Vic raise three boys: Ted, Joe and Jeff. It was during this time that she worked at the Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union.

In 1980, Pat became pregnant with their first child, who died as a result of preeclampsia. Pat spent three months hospitalized with severe secondary conditions. Doctor Richard Kates led a team of doctors who saved her life as thousands prayed.

As her husband, Vic, left the USBR to pursue the ministry in 1989, they moved to Portland. While in Portland they pursued training at Teen Challenge Ministries. They returned to the Coulee Area to open a home for unwed mothers at Moriah House in Grand Coulee. Pat then began working part time for the BPA. In 1994, the Lord brought son number five, Mathew, to Vic and Pat through the process of adoption.

Pat transferred to Bell Substation, Mead, Washington, in 2010 and the family then moved to Spokane, Washington. Pat suffered a stroke in February of 2015. She was hospitalized at Sacred Heart Medical Center. She underwent physical therapy at St. Luke's Rehabilitation Center and Alderwood Manor. During this process, she experienced a UTI that became septic and she flat lined July 1, 2015. She was resuscitated and came home to be cared for by her husband until her second stroke on March 24, 2017, which left her largely incapacitated.

Pat left the earth to be with the Lord in Heaven on the evening of April 7, 2017. While spending her last week in hospice care, until her passing, her hospice day nurse was none other than the daughter of Doctor Richard Kates!

Pat Piccolo is survived by her husband of 39 years, Victor Piccolo; sons: Ted (Kris), Joe, Jeff (Toni) and Mathew; sister, Diana; mother, Joan Sterley; and aunt, Carol Smith; grandchildren: Kristopher Schneidmiller, Sierra Schneidmiller, Michael Piccolo, Kyle Piccolo, Kendall Piccolo, Madeline Piccolo, Isabelle Piccolo, Jayson Piccolo and Keifer Piccolo.

She will be missed greatly.

Graveside service will be at Spring Canyon Cemetery Friday, April 21, 2017, at 10 a.m. Funeral service and lunch to follow at 11 a.m., at Faith Community Church in Electric City, Washington.