Photo: Pat Williams (in the blue and white shirt) talks with Mollie Copeland at an event in the Oregon State Capitol building in 2003.

Pat Williams died today.  She was a loving mother and grandmother.  To all of her friends she was a giving person who always wanted to help out and always brought a gift when she came over.  Pat worked with non-profits and the city before taking ill.  She was #1 on the list of people waiting for a kidney and liver transplant.  But that help didn't come in time.

We were on a plane today when she died and so I didn't get a chance to say a last good-bye.  The last time we talked was about a week before we left on our trip back to South Carolina.  She was in good spirits and hopeful that a transplant would occur soon.  Pat and our friend Eileen had made plans to visit my church this coming Sunday.  

Next week Pat's friends and family will gather and celebrate her life.  We'll share stories of Pat's adventures, her generous heart, and of the love that radiated from her.

In the meantime, I have a favor to ask.

Become an organ donor.  OrganDonor.gov reports:

Each day, about 77 people receive organ transplants. However, 19 people die each day waiting for transplants that can't take place because of the shortage of donated organs.

None of us ever knows what tomorrow will bring.  But we can do something to make sure that if our own life is cut short that others can still live.  Click here to learn more about becoming a donor. 

All of us that knew Pat Williams will miss her forever.    

Update:  Pat's memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 16th at 3pm at Parkrose Community United Church of Christ.  Read the obituary from The Oregonian here.