Patricia L. Dillingham

Patricia Lee Dillingham, aged 91, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and remarkable achievements. She was born in Eatonville, Washington on September 27, 1932, to Larry and Virginia Hamm.

Patricia was a devoted mother to her four children, son Matthew, daughter Stephanie, and son Justin. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jonathan. Patricia's memory will be cherished by her granddaughters, Alexandra and Mia, as well as her great-grandchildren, Bruce and Lydia.

Throughout her illustrious life, Patricia pursued her passions with unwavering determination. She was a beacon of knowledge and inspiration in the field of education, serving as a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the University of Cambridge in England, Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, Clark High School in Las Vegas, NV, and Basic High School in Henderson, NV. Her dedication to teaching extended across borders and generations, leaving an indelible impact on the countless lives she touched.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Patricia was a trailblazer in the world of figure skating. She served as an Olympic coach in pairs figure skating for the 1964 Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria, and was a respected member of the International Olympic Committee for many years. Her passion for the sport was matched only by her love for travel, particularly enjoying voyages aboard cruise ships. She fondly recalled crossing the Atlantic twice in the early 1960s and again in the early 2000s, relishing the adventures that awaited her on distant shores.

Patricia's kindness, warmth, and generosity extended beyond her professional endeavors. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially baking gingerbread cookies with her children and grandchildren every Christmas, creating cherished memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to sports and education, Patricia was inducted into the Tacoma Sports Hall of Fame and honored as a Professor Emeritus at UNLV. She was also a certified Gerontologist, reflecting her commitment to enhancing the well-being of others throughout their later years.

A memorial service to celebrate Patricia's life will be held on June 24, 2024, at 10 am at Bunker Mortuary, located at 925 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Las Vegas, NV 89101. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in Patricia’s honor be directed to Nathan Adelson Hospice, an organization that provided compassionate care during her final days.  Nathan Adelson Hospice, 4141 University Center Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119     www.nah.org     702.733.0320

Patricia's legacy of passion, dedication, and love will forever endure in the hearts of those she touched. Her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift, reminding us all to embrace life's adventures with courage and grace. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.