Senator Maria Cantwell's Statement on Patsy Collins
WASHINGTON, D.C. - "I was saddened to learn of the passing of Patsy Collins, a true Washington state original. The daughter of one of Seattle's pioneer families, she was herself a pioneer – a successful woman business leader and a dedicated philanthropist. Patsy was well-known for her business successes, but her unceasing kindness and generosity will be her greatest legacy.
Patsy played a vital role in supporting the arts and protecting Washington's wild places. Although she grew up in privileged circumstances, she never stopped searching for ways to help the disadvantaged, such as funding low-income housing.
Her generosity was not limited to improving her immediate surroundings. Patsy had a lifetime interest in the world at large, and America's place in it. With an eye to the future, she funded efforts to build schools in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kashmir.
Patsy was not one to call attention to her own efforts. It's telling that rather than trumpet her own acts of leadership, she sought to help young girls become leaders themselves by supporting such programs as a leadership summer camp.
Patsy didn't just change Seattle, she changed politics. Those of us who knew her couldn't help but be inspired by her generosity and good will. Patsy lived a full life with a simple rule: always do the right thing. It is by that same simple but high standard with which we try to govern.
One of Patsy's many accomplishments was to establish a Garden of Remembrance to honor Washingtonians who lost their lives in war. The innumerable charitable projects to which she provided leadership and funding across Washington state constitute a very unique and fitting garden of remembrance to this very special woman.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."
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