Pat Wallace

ISSOULA – Pat Wallace was born in Great Falls on April 25, 1926. Her name was Alvira, but, as the oldest of the four Kinney girls, she was always called the name her dad picked for a boy.

After graduating from Great Falls High, she studied music at Augustana College and received her B.A. at the University of Montana. Pat married Leigh Wallace and moved back to Great Falls to begin a family.

In 1959 the family moved to Alexandria, Va., where Leigh went to seminary. Pat taught piano lessons and enjoyed the theological discussions.

After seminary, they moved back to Montana, to serve churches in Sheridan, Virginia City, Ennis and Billings. In 1970 they moved to Missoula, to Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. Pat was active with her children and in the church, but she also enjoyed taking college classes, where she discovered a lifelong love of painting vivid watercolors.

When Leigh became Bishop of Spokane, they traveled to visit churches and to Camp Cross, where a building is dedicated to them. As part of the larger church, Pat met dignitaries including Bishop Desmond Tutu and Princess Diana.

Upon retirement, Pat and Leigh returned to Missoula and traveled extensively. They moved to the Springs Retirement Community in 2007. Leigh died in 2010. Pat continued to be active in the Springs community until her death on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. She is survived by her three children, Jenny, Dick and Bill and their spouses; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m. Garden City Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Read Pat Wallace's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.