Pat had invited me to join them over Easter, some year in the early 90ties, reasoning that "Someone who spends part of his holiday in the University computing centre voluntarily, fits right in, mentally, to join them for a weekend." She also explained that visitors to their family came in two types: "the first type leaves promptly, the second type is hard to get rid off ever after". Apparently I fell into the second category. I'm deeply indebted to Pat, Ray, Helen, Rachel and Peter for their warm hospitality, allowing me to share their home multiple times. And to Pat for 30 years of fun, advice and a treasured sort of odd but warm humour. There had been around 40 letters each way, handwritten, typed or printed, but always by Post. Without Pat, my life would have been less colourful, and devoid of some peculiarly interesting incidences.

I first met Pat at BHBay Playcentre and later at our reunions at Pats. She also read my cards. It was a pleasure to know you Pat, you were indeed a talented, unique lady. RIP Love to all the family.

There was a day in 1991 when I read an ad Pat had placed seeking a pen pal. She was looking for someone who loved long letters, cats, book and cross-stitch. Perfect! She was looking for me! I responded and that lead to more than 3 decades of a deep and enduring friendship. Somewhere along the line she "pooh-poohed" snail mail .We began weekly emails instead of monthly letters. We delved even deeper into our "every days" We met in 1996 when I made a trip to NZ. My friend and I used Pat's house as a base while we toured the North Island. The Martins were so welcoming. i have many fond memories of that trip. Those are the facts. As a published author I wanted to write a beautiful tribute worthy of a beautiful woman. Instead I find myself unable to put coherent thoughts on paper. 30 plus years of memories and moments are rampaging around inside my brain. I've laughed and cried in equal measure the past few days as I've tried to sort through all those feelings. The wound is fresh and I'm simply not up to the task. When I woke this morning I heard a quiet voice in my head say, "It's OK. You don't have to." Pat, I think. I realized everyone writing tributes knew and loved her. We admired and respected the same things about her. Our relationships with her were unique but we all knew the essence of Pat. They say grief is the price to be paid for loving. Right now I hurt, as I should. But ultimately I know it is a small price to pay for having shared life with Pat for more than half of my lifetime.

Pat, my second mum. A mum whose patience knew no bounds, enduring the chaos Rachel and I brewed together throughout almost the entirety of our childhoods. Pat and Ray opened their hearts and home, creating a family where our parents pretty much had shared care of Rachel and me without the child support, only the unspoken 'food and stress tax.' Together, we embarked on countless adventures, creating a huge amount of memories that made for a brilliant childhood. My favorite 4 legged’s in Pat’s house were Ichabod, the ginormous black and white cat with a very low meow, and Jamie, the faithful little black and white dog who was everyone’s best friend. Growing up, the Martin family invested in me, shaping who I am today. Their home was my home. Reflecting on Pat’s parenting of not just her own kids but also me over the many, many, many weekends and school holidays Rachel and I roamed between our Blockhouse Bay houses, I've come to realise her influence on my own parenting style. Her patience, her approach to some very intense situations (looking at you Peter with one particular incident I vividly recall!) and her love for storytelling, have had a part to play in my shaping as a parent, while also highlighting a lot areas where I want to grow as a Mum for my own 4 kids. I’m forever grateful for the friendship forged with Rachel since we were toddlers and am eternally grateful for playcentre where the friendship between our Mum’s began. Pat was a beautiful person whose essence remains an integral part of who I am. Today, I am grateful for - Friendship - Family - The memories can never be taken away - A wonderful, safe and happy upbringing - That Helen was there to save me from Peter’s “small camp fire” that day! You will be very much missed Pat. Thank you for being Mum II.

I remember our Friday fish and chips, Murder Mystery nights together. Issy, Alice, Mort, Vanessa and then Henry (Hen) keeping us company. My life was richer because of our friendship.

A cherished part of my growing-up years was the friendship our two families shared in little old Blockhouse Bay. Pat's kindness towards us kids, the delightful aromas of her baking in the oven, and the lively fun us kids had together while our Mums to quote - "stitched and Bitched" in the lounge. Pat's home, with its collection of animals, including possums, was a haven of joy and laughter. I recall the warmth of her hospitality and the many shared moments that created a bond between our families. I learnt to play cards in her home and I think our much contested "last card rules" originate there. The connection forged through our mums' friendship and my sister's cherished bond with her daughter Rachel created a special kind of family 🙂 Rachel's still a little sister to me! As I remember Pat, it's with gratitude for the love, laughter, and enduring warmth she brought into our lives. Pat you'll forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Am sitting near the house on Forest Rd Armadale WA, remembering the time I house sat, looking after the 3 cats and panking cause I thought Annie had escaped. Not seeing her for days In the end I rang Rosemary. We hunted high & low. Eventually seeing eyes deep inside the couch. Boy was I glad she hadn't escaped. Love & light. Jan T

Pat and I kept in touch by post, phone and online and we visited Pat over many years. We put the world to rights, swapped reading recommendations and crafty ideas. There is an empty space in my life where Pat used to be. XX

When we were together Pat was always an ally and a friend to me. It was a pleasure to bring up Helen , Peter and Rachel with her. She was whitty, intelligent and wise. She will be missed by her family and friends. The world is worse without her.