Farewell Wishes

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile, make footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same; Patty Avey is one of those people. 

“This woman is truly amazing. I don’t think of Patty as a coworker; she is family. She is my bonus mom, lunch buddy, marriage counselor, and just all-around one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Patty’s generosity and kindness have gotten many of us through some tough times at work, and her sense of humor and positive attitude are a gift to anyone who knows her. She is respectful, competent, and wise, and any customer who gets to work with her is incredibly lucky. Patty is just the best,” said Liz Laubscher. 

Starting with Career Path Services just over twelve years ago, she began working as a WIOA Adult/Dislocated Worker case manager at WorkSource Spokane. Patty worked with hundreds of people in the community, walking alongside them, cheering them on, getting them into training programs to start new careers, and helping them achieve the fresh start they needed. For the past two and a half years, Patty has been the Employment Specialist and Career Coach, interfacing with walk-in and virtual customers. 

Mary Hubler said, “I have worked with Patty for eight years at WorkSource, and she is the most caring person in the center. Patty is always willing to listen to clients or staff that are working through challenges. She has been an outstanding mentor for everyone she has worked with; she is professional, heartfelt, and will truly be missed at WorkSource.” 

“Patty was the most welcoming and caring person I met at WorkSource. She embodied what it means to be a supportive and kind coworker, and she would consistently come by my desk and see how I was doing. She is such a warm and loving person, and she goes out of her way to make new employees feel like part of the team. I will dearly miss her!” said Michelle Griffin.

Although not originally from Spokane, this is where she calls home. She was raised in a military family, which took her all over the United States and England. Before starting with Career Path services, Patty was a stay-at-home mom raising her three children and homeschooling them. Her family also had a small farm business keeping them all busy. When Patty decided to return to the workforce, she worked as a recruiter and account manager with Humanix staffing for five years before being laid off in 2009. After her lay-off, she was referred to Career Path Services, where she was drawn in because of the organization’s mission and the job description of the case manager position. “I’ve gained incredible friends and colleagues, opportunities to serve our community, professional mentoring from Cami, opportunities to grow in my knowledge of workforce development, training opportunities, and the gift of working with such an incredible team. Thank you,” she said. 

Outside of the office, you can find Patty spending time with her family, working alongside her husband digging in the dirt, planting and watching things grow, painting, and taking walks with friends. Now, Patty will have lots of time to do what she loves; she has decided it is time to retire from the organization. “I am retiring from the workplace. My future will be filled with many unknown adventures. I will spend more time with my precious husband and family, travel, volunteer at various places, meet new people, and love this beautiful life God has given me.” 

For the Career Path Services employees, she advises, “Don’t ever forget the life-changing work you do each day as Generational Transformation Experts – such an honor and privilege we have been given truly affect the lives of generations. Thank you, thank you, Career Path Services. Thank you, Cami, for your continual inspiration and support as we’ve been together from the beginning of my journey. My journey with Career Path has been such an incredible gift that I will hold in my heart forever. Thank you for the endless opportunities of personal and professional growth you afforded to me over the years. God bless every one of you.” she said.  

“Patty’s patience and grace create encouraging and trusting relationships. Her thoughtful, caring, and direct way of communicating always makes you feel valuable,” said Sarah Flambouras.

It has been an honor working with a wonderful colleague like you these past years. While your presence will be missed, the great work you did here ensures you will never be forgotten. Thank you for being a tireless professional, a helpful coworker, and — above all — a good friend to all of those around you. Now go and enjoy retirement!