Patricia Ann Perry

Patricia A. Perry was born on July 5, 1935, in Hood River, Ore., to Russ and Gladys Volstorff. She passed away on August 2, 2017, in Canby, Ore., after a long and courageous medical battle. While she received wonderful medical care in her facility in Canby, she missed her friends in The Dalles very much. Pat’s family lived in Georgia during the war but returned to the Columbia Gorge, attending most of her school years in The Dalles. She actually graduated from Pendleton High School and kept friends from both schools her entire life. In 1957 she married Darrell Perry and started their family in Baker, Ore. Her daughter Lisa and son Russell were born there. Shortly thereafter the family moved to The Dalles, sons Lyle and Bill were born a few years later. After quickly figuring out that staying home with four kids drove her crazy she started working again, first doing books at the family car dealership, Volstorff Motors and the Recreation and later opening The Dresser Drawer with her friend Mary Lou, first on Fourth Street, moving later to Second Street. She loved the relationships with all of her fellow downtown merchants, including friends she’d had since high school. Upon closing the store, she took a job that eventually turned into the Business Manager at Maryhill Museum, which became a passion. She often noted that she “took care of everything that wasn’t art.” Her colleagues at Maryhill became family and she was sad to leave when medical issues forced her retirement after many years. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Darrell in 2013; and her sister, Salle just recently. She is survived by all four children; daughter-in-laws Dianna and Angi; and four grandchildren, Steven, Mckayla, Tyler and Nick, all of whom she loved dearly. While Pat requested that there be no services, the family knows that she loved to get together with friends over a cocktail or glass of wine, so they’ll be hosting a very informal gathering at the Baldwin Saloon, 205 Court Street, The Dalles, Saturday, August 12, from 2-4 p.m. Please feel free to join us to raise a glass in her honor. We will also be hosting a small function in November at Maryhill Museum, details to follow. If you’d like to contact the family please contact Lisa at (360) 623-9545 or [email protected]. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in her name, the family suggests they be made to Maryhill Museum of Art, 35 Maryhill Museum Drive, Goldendale, Wash. 98620.