Patricia (Pat) Langdon Jackson of Helena died March 24, 2014 at 95 years of age. Pat was born on May 30, 1918 in Sumner, WA to Robert Sylvester and Hoyta Wilson Langdon and was the oldest of 4 children.
Pat received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Central Washington University at Ellensburg in 1940. During the following three years she taught in rural elementary schools in Washington. World War II intervened, inspiring her to work for Pacific Car and Foundry (now PACCAR), which was then building General Sherman tanks for the Army. Seeking a more active role in the war effort, she enlisted in the U. S. Navy W.A.V.E.S. Her Navy service included duty at Lakehurst, New Jersey and Pensacola, Florida as an aerographer (weather observer) at the Naval Air Station.
When the War ended, she accepted a job with the U.S. Weather Service in Havre, MT. By chance, the love of her life, Ralph Allen Jackson, had just been discharged from the Army Air Corps and had moved to Havre. It was inevitable that the prettiest girl in town would meet the most eligible bachelor, and they were married at her family’s home in Renton, WA in January 1947.
Three children were born to Pat and Ralph in Missoula, the town they chose together after touring the state. She considered raising a family her highest calling but had many interests that used her talents in the arts. After moving to Helena in 1960, Pat was a flutist with the Helena Symphony. She savored many musical performances, grew lush flower gardens, and was active in the Helena Weavers Guild. She especially enjoyed the company of her long-time friends in her sewing club.
Pat is survived by her three children, Robert (Frankie) of Kanab, UT and Bozeman, Sylvia of Helena, and Richard (Laura Grosmaire) of Hobart, WA. She had four grandsons and was anticipating the birth of a second great-granddaughter. She is also survived by a sister, Sylvia Jean Langdon of Renton, WA and a special niece, Cheryl Heser of Forsyth. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Ralph, and by her brothers Robert and Howard.
Pat’s family is deeply grateful for the help, comfort, and friendship of the gifted caregivers at her assisted living facility and for the compassionate care of St. Peter’s Hospice staff.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be enjoyed amid the wildflowers high in the Rocky Mountains in early summer. No formal funeral services are planned; in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helena Food Share or donor’s choice of charitable organizations.
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