Patti Eskelsen died on April 16, 2017. Patti was born in Woodburn, OR to Harold and Nellie Eskelsen. She was one of eleven children.

Patti passed away on Easter with her beloved teddy bear and family at her side. The victim of a birth injury, she spent her lifetime looking at the world with the lens of a child. Patti taught her family about perspective, unconditional love and taking time to simply appreciate each day. Patti lived in a group home for 26 years with her fellow residents and staff whom she loved like family.

A familiar sight around Salem with her bear, Patti made friends wherever she went as she introduced strangers to her bear. Patti loved her family and friends, shopping, pancakes, letters and family photos, diet coke, trips to the beach, camping and all holidays...especially her birthday. Patti brought our family closer together and made us better humans.

Patti is survived by her sisters: Laurel Zurlinden of Woodburn, OR; Linda Elliott of Reston, VA; Mary Moran of Sebring, FL; Sandi Thompson of Springfield, OR and Kathi Korepta of Lebanon, OR and by her brothers: Richard Eskelsen of Vancouver, WA and Paul Eskelsen of Newberg, OR. She also had many nieces and nephews who loved and will miss her.

Graveside services will be held at Belle Passi Cemetery in Woodburn, OR on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 2:30 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to Simon Cornwell Colonial Chapel.