Patty (Thresher) Linde

Patty Thresher Linde, 82, died on June 14, 2025. She bravely fought her battle with glioblastoma over the past few months with her trademark grace and humor, surrounded by the love of her family, and fortified by support from so many friends and loved ones who reached out to express their care. Despite a frustratingly rapid battle that took her words and ability to communicate, it didn’t take the heart that made her family and friends feel fully embraced and deeply loved.

Patty was a thoughtful and articulate communicator, and she cared most about connecting personally and deeply with others. When she asked you how you were, she really wanted to know, and you could feel that.

Patty was quietly reflective and was a talented writer. In her later years, she joined a writing group of wonderful women, and she cherished this opportunity to reflect on various aspects of life and to capture her thoughts. This process led to personal growth that made her proud and became lessons that she shared with those closest to her.

She and her husband, John, loved road trips, listening to classic country music and taking the back roads in search of interesting snapshots of life off the beaten path and the chance to connect with a quirky innkeeper or eat at a local diner or bar. You could also find them sharing a glass of wine over Happy Hour and watching Jeopardy or a recent episode of one of their favorite shows.

But more than anything, Patty loved her family – John, her girls – Monica, Annie, & Margot, their spouses, and her grandkids - and she made sure they felt it. She treasured and prioritized time and connections with her family. She made the most thoughtful, personal, and creative cards for birthdays and special occasions, and was a champion texter, usually including extra exclamation points and emoji hearts, and often ending with “I love you!!!”

Patricia Ann Thresher was born on October 5, 1942 in Portland, OR to Marguerite and Paul Thresher. She grew up in northeast Portland and attended Immaculate Heart grade school and Marycrest High School. While she was at Marycrest, John F. Kennedy made a campaign stop in Portland in 1960 during his run for the White House. Patty, and her friend, Jane Shults, met JFK at that campaign stop and convinced him to visit Marycrest before leaving Portland, much to the chagrin of his press secretary, Pierre Salinger.

Patty attended Seattle University, graduating with a degree in Spanish. In 1967, Patty moved to Miami and became a stewardess for Pan American World Airways, a job she loved because it gave her the chance to use her language skills, meet interesting people, and explore new corners of the world. After leaving Pan Am in 1969, she returned to Portland where she met her future husband, John. They met on a blind date set up by two friends. Their courtship lasted 18 months, and they were married on November 21, 1970 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. They went on to raise three girls and were actively involved in the Madeleine School and Parish. Patty could be found serving on the school board, chairing school auctions and generally stepping in to help wherever needed. Patty and her family also enjoyed playing tennis and were active members of the Irvington Tennis Club community. In her mid-fifties, Patty took on a new challenge growing her leadership skills and having a lot of fun with a successful independent clothing business. 

Preceding Patty in death are her parents, Marguerite (Costello) & Paul Thresher; and her brother-in-law, Warren Stolle.

Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband of 54 years, John; daughters, Monica Popp (Curtis), Annie Osborn (Darrin), Margot Linde Lopez (Juan); and grandchildren, Olivia (16), Molly (14), Maddy (5), Mateo (4), and Carolina (4 months); her sister, Jane Stolle, and many extended family members.

A funeral mass will be held for Patty on Friday, July 18th at 11am at The Madeleine Church, 3123 NE 24th Ave in Portland. An optional rosary will be held prior at 10:30am for those who would like to join.

Following the funeral mass, a reception will be held at the Irvington Tennis Club, 2131 NE Thompson Street, Portland. In addition, a larger celebration of life will be held in the fall.

Donations in Patty’s name can be made to the Blanchet House in Portland, OR: https://blanchethouse.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation-form

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