Patricia 'Trish' Mary Freeman Grotberg, 59
Patricia “Trish” Mary Freeman Grotberg of Hungry Horse “left this world” on July 27, 2013.
She was born in San Diego on July 2, 1954, to Elmer and Virginia Freeman. For the last few decades of her life, Trish struggled with many personal challenges and ultimately died as a result of cancer.
In 1959, Trish and her family moved to Spokane. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School, St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School, and graduated from Holy Names Academy High School in 1972. Trish attended Spokane Community College and Intercollegiate College of Nursing and received her registered nurse degree in 1990.
Throughout her career, Trish worked at Head Start, Sunshine House Retirement and Assisted Living Facility, Convent of the Holy Names and Sacred Heart Hospital. She also worked for the Hungry Horse News for many years, delivering the newspaper all throughout Glacier Park in the summer.
Trish was a caring and creative soul. She sewed, did macrame and made greeting cards for family and friends. She wrote amazing poems and ballads and plays that evoked laughter and tears from those who read them.
Trish treasured her childhood rosary and was always willing to say a rosary for anyone who needed a little extra help. Her favorite novel and movie was “Gone with the Wind” and she was always up for a marathon phone call with one of her siblings. Many of us will remember Trish for her quirky sense of humor and, most of all, as a lively storyteller! She regaled us with tales of past and present, and none were told with more spirit than those about her sons. She was so very proud of Alex and Eric.
Trish was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her oldest brother Danny, and her nephew Kieran.
Trish is survived by her two sons, Alexander and Eric Grotberg; two grandsons, Maddek Oliver (age 5 years) and Preston Alexander (age 3 months); siblings, Jeanne Malubay and Glenn, residing in Bellevue, Wash.; Mary C. Freeman, residing in Los Angeles; Jerome Freeman and Lita, residing in Williston, N.D.; Elizabeth Freeman, residing in Houston; Martha Agnew and Phil, residing in Spokane; Susan Kennedy, residing in Otis Orchards, Wash.; John Freeman, residing in Chelan, Wash.; Bridget Freeman Wamsley, residing in Spokane; and Ann Freeman, residing in Pullman, Wash.; stepmother, Patricia Freeman, residing in Spokane; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.
“Our hearts are heavy as we say farewell to Trish, and we wish her peace and harmony in her next journey.”
As per her request, Trish’s ashes will be spread by her sons, in a location of her choice, near her home in Montana.
If you are so inclined, contributions can be made to a charitable organization of your choice in Patricia Freeman Grotberg’s name.
Columbia Mortuary is caring for Trish’s family. You are invited to www.columbiamortuary.com to view Trish’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.