Patricia L. Rosenkranz

Patricia Leone (Sullivan) Rosenkranz, 90, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2021 in Vancouver, Washington. She had a home in Ocean Park, Washington prior to moving to Glenwood Place Senior Living Community in 2019. Pat was born in Minot, North Dakota, on February 12, 1931 to Martin Sullivan and Astrid “Ester” Stutrud. She joined a 11-month-old brother, Eugene. The family, along with several relatives and family friends, moved to Seattle in 1941 to work in the shipyards during the height of World War II. They lived in public housing at Holly Park, often sharing quarters with newcomers and extended family. Patsy attended Cleveland High School, where she excelled in art and made many lifelong friends. She married H. Craig Rosenkranz in 1952. Daughters Nancy and Jane were born in Seattle, and in 1963 the family moved to Spokane for Craig’s new position as a regional manager for Ford Motor Credit Company. Pat worked at KHQ television and took art classes until she returned to school for a teaching certificate, graduating with Honors from Eastern Washington University in 1970. She taught art and social studies at Medical Lake Middle School, and coached the girls’ volleyball team. Pat loved to inspire her students to explore culture and history through art projects. She continued her own education with travel to Russia, Hawaii, Alaska, and throughout the west, and turned every trip into a new lesson plan for her students and family. Pat pursued her talent for art as a painter, and wrote poetry and memoirs for family and friends throughout her life. The family purchased a lot in Ocean Park in 1957 and enjoyed many vacations there while Craig built a cabin. He developed Parkinson’s disease, and Pat retired in 1994 to care for him. She oversaw the construction of a beautiful home in Ocean Park for their retirement years and welcomed visits from young grandchildren. Pat remained in Ocean Park following Craig’s death in 1997. A high school friend introduced her to a cousin, Don Armeni of Kalama, who was also a Cleveland High alum. They enjoyed 20 years of travel and community activities in Ocean Park and Kalama. Pat and Don were active in the Methodist Church and the Cleveland Alumni Association. A lifelong interest in history led her to write “Honored Dead”, a collection of biographies of the Cleveland boys who died in WWII. Proceeds from the book benefit the school’s Memorial Forest and it was recognized for its value as a teaching tool, as well as a touching tribute to war heroes. Pat is survived by daughters Nancy Biasi (Dennis) of Portland, Jane Rettig (Steve) of Spokane, grandchildren Simon and Christopher Biasi, Cara Rettig Lommen (Drew), Haley Rettig Dang (Maika), five great-grandchildren and her loving companion, Don Armeni. She will join her mother and brother at Holyrood Cemetery in Seattle. Donations can be sent to: Cleveland High School Alumni Association, PO Box 94004, Seattle Wa. 98124-9404 Forest Activities Memorial: Patricia L. Rosenkranz, 49'