Elva Laverne Fitzsimmons

Elva "Patti" Fitzsimmons, age 75, of La Grande and formerly of Longview, Washington died Monday, July 1, 2002 at a local care facility.


At her request there will be no public services in La Grande. Interment will be held in Longview, Washington. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.


Mrs. Fitzsimmons was born on February 22, 1927, the daughter of Richard and Elva S. (Cowles) Tennant in Roseville, California. She attended schools in San Francisco, California. She worked in administrative services for public schools for many years. In 1988 she married Raymond Fitzsimmons in Longview, Washington. He preceded her in death and in 1998 she moved to La Grande from Longview.


Mrs. Fitzsimmons loved fishing and camping. She was an excellent seamstress and cook. She also enjoyed the time she spent with her three daughters and their families.


Survivors include her daughters, Dale Clark of Island City, Cindy Parson of Longview, Washington and Randie Clark of Edmonds, Washington; mother and step-father, Elva and Don Shelley of Corvallis; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren and another on the way; brothers, Richard Tennant of Arcata, California and Jon Shelley of Portland; sister, Kristin Thaler of Portland; and other relatives and friends. A brother, Tom Tennant, a grandson, David Schwebke and her father preceded her in death.


Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to the Longview Hospice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.