Pat Van Leuven

Pat Van Leuven Pat Van Leuven passed away peacefully at her home on April 1, 2017. A memorial service for close friends and family will be held at 2:00 PM, April 7th at the Center for Spiritual Living in Eugene, Oregon. A celebration of life will be planned and announced at a later date. Pat was born November 11, 1935 to Edward and Gertrude Wright. Her parents loving, and long lasting relationship made a big impact on Pat. In her younger years she worked for the University of Santa Clara where she converted to Catholicism. Later she met and married William Dodds. Together they raised seven children on their “ranch” outside of Elmira, Oregon. In 1983 she met her best friend and the love of her life, Dean VanLeuven. Together they spent 34 years building an extended family rooted in love and the promotion of world peace. Pat’s love for her family and friends was fierce. She was an avid reader. Throughout her life there were countless people, both children and adults, being supported, loved and advised by her. Her home was open to those in need, and often housed more than just direct family members. Pat is preceded in death by four of her children, daughter Renee Dodds, sons Bill and Christopher Dodds (Joan), and stepson Randy Cook. She is survived by her husband Dean Van Leuven, daughter Diana Coffin (Alan), son Stephen Dodds (Angela), son Michael Dodds (Karen), and son Kevin Dodds (Jennifer). She is survived by step children Scott Van Leuven, Lloyd Van Leuven, and DeeAnna Croasmun. She is survived by grandchildren Kristin Gass, Amanda Pilgrim, Angelique Botello, Krysten Dodds, Matheau Dodds, Josephine Dodds, Trevor Dodds, Jacob Dodds, Brittany Dodds, Katie Gallagher, Kraig Dodds, Daniel Dodds, Austin Dodds, Megan Callaway, Zachary Dodds, Devon Clawson, Connor Cook, Jennifer Cook,Erin Cook and Patricia Croasman. In addition to grandchildren, she is survived by 23 great grandchildren. Throughout her years when saying goodbye to family and friends, in her mischievous way, Pat would say to “If you can’t be good be careful”. Her daughter’s response was “If you can’t be careful have fun.” This always brought a chuckle. We know she is in a good place, is having fun, and is already caring for others.