- Date Of Birth: August 16, 1946
- Date Of Death: September 12, 2019
- State: Idaho
On September 12th, 2019 – a beautiful Indian Summer-like day – our beautiful Warrior Queen, our dear sweet Mama laid her burden down. After a long and courageous battle, she passed at the center of a loving circle embraced by her children who whispered to her words of love, gratitude, and thanksgiving for the life she gave us, the love she shared, and the example of compassion and strength she was for us and everyone who knew her.
Patricia Gail Daigle (née Wright) was born on August 16, 1946 to Gail Elizabeth and Harold Keene Wright of Middleton Idaho. She grew up on a dairy farm and spent her childhood as her beloved father’s right-hand “man.” She adored animals and helped her father raise and care for the various herds, flocks, and pets on the farm. She was an avid 4-H participant and was a blue- ribbon recipient for her prized bull “Blue” at the county fair. Patsy was a beloved daughter and thought the sun rose and set with her own mother, Gail. She loved school and was an avid reader.
Patricia graduated from Middleton High School and attended beauty school. She received her cosmetologist’s license and worked in the industry on and off for over 20 years. At the end of that career she became an instructor and loved being able to help young students grow in their area of interest, as well as with becoming adults. She was always a patient teacher and a compassionate counselor.
Patricia met the love of her life and the luckiest guy in the world, Jack David Daigle, in 1967 when he was stationed in Idaho as a young Airman in the U.S. Air Force. They were introduced by mutual friends and he fell for the beautiful, sunny farm girl almost immediately. They were married on September 27th, 1969.
Patricia was the very best mother imaginable. Sorry (not sorry), but there were none above her. She managed a household with four young children while her husband was often away on tours of duty. She kept her life and the lives of her children running smoothly while also working and taking care of others in her community. She found the time and energy to make clothes for her children, garden, can, remodel bathrooms, take care of others’ children, take care of her parents and other relatives, be a cherished friend to others, and always a helping hand whenever anyone was in need. Our mother was a mother to countless children – and some adults – in our community. Growing up, a good portion of our family photos included more than just the children she gave birth to. She was the woman who drove the old green Plymouth station wagon with a bumper sticker that read: “Have you hugged your child today?”
When her own children were young, Patricia began working as a teacher’s aide. After a few years, she became a school librarian. And she adored her students. Our mother always selected her library aides with care. If you had the privilege, it was because she believed you had something very special about you – that you only needed a champion and a mentor to help you to reach within and find your inner rock star. Our mother was this champion for so many.
Our mother was also a veritable force of nature. In the defense of others – and especially her children – she stood up to bullies, coaches, members of the clergy, and other hot shots who needed help with adjusting their attitudes and approaches to others. She was an amazing example and her children have emulated this trait of hers. Our mother was also the endless font of optimism and hope. She believed in the best in everyone – even if you couldn’t believe in yourself, she held that space for you.
Our mother most enjoyed the company of her family. Her two granddaughters, Marissa and Kaila, held a very special place in her heart and were the gems in her crown. Her two daughters-in-law Andrea and Kristin, also held a cherished place in her heart – she was so grateful for such beautiful and kind women as partners for her sons. And she also adored her nutty dachshunds.
But her favorite things, above all else, were her children. They were everything to her and their devotion to her knew no bounds.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jack. She is survived by her four children: Tricia, Brian (Kristin), Nichelle, and Neil (Andrea, Marissa, and Kaila), and her brother Norman Wright (Kathy).
A very heartfelt thank you to our Willow Park family who cared for and loved our mother. We don’t know what we could have done without each of you. And to Heart and Home Hospice, you were there for us with both our mother and father and supported us in the most loving ways throughout. So many thanks to each of you.
