Patricia Ann Forman

Patricia Ann Forman, known as Pat, passed away suddenly on March 5, 2026 at the age of 78 at Tacoma General Hospital. Born on July 22, 1947 in Tacoma, Washington, she graduated with honors from Stadium High School, finishing in the top 20 of her class. In the summer after her junior year, she married Ron, and four months later they welcomed their daughter Tammy. Pat was seven months pregnant when she walked across the stage at graduation, a story she and Ron loved to share, joking that Tammy graduated twice—once from Stadium and once from Spanaway Lake.

For nearly two decades, Pat devoted herself to raising Tammy and her son Ronnie as a stay-at-home mother. She became a beloved neighborhood figure, welcoming children off the school bus into her home for her renowned home-cooked meals and warm care. Her cooking, especially her spaghetti and fried potatoes, remained a cherished memory for many. As her children grew older, Pat taught herself a wide range of practical skills, including building rabbit crates, repairing motorcycles, gardening, and even roofing the garage. When Tammy left for college, Pat returned to school herself, earning a computer programming degree from Clover Park Technical Institute. She went on to a 30-year career at Lynden, Inc., advancing from computer programmer to manager of the IT help desk, where she was deeply respected and loved by her team. A lifelong learner, she later earned an associate degree from Tacoma Community College while working full time and commuting from Puyallup to Seattle.

In retirement, Pat cherished time with family and friends, sharing oldies music with her granddaughter Haley, playing games, hiking, and taking walks—even completing a 5K while using oxygen. A passionate advocate for social justice, she joined Tammy in many peaceful protests. Her greatest personal mission was sharing the story of her transgender friend Barb Dayton, whom the family believed to be D.B. Cooper. Together with Ron, she co-authored and published the book “The Legend of DB Cooper, Death by Natural Causes,” and the couple participated in numerous documentaries, radio interviews, and annual DB Cooper conventions as active members of the citizen sleuth community.

Pat was known for her mischievous smile, generosity, intelligence, quick wit, resourcefulness, and quiet strength. She had a special fondness for babies, children, and dogs, and shared Ron’s enthusiasm for cars and airplanes, happily participating in Steeds Car Club events, shows, and gatherings. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ron; daughter Tammy; son Ronnie; grandchildren Haley and Parker; great-grandchild Ember; sister Debbie; brothers Ron and Larry; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Her presence, marked by love and quiet resilience, will be deeply missed by all who knew her.