Trisha Ann Erickson

Trisha Ann Erickson of Port Townsend, Washington, passed away in her sleep unexpectedly on April 9, 2026. She was 66 years old. She was an avid dog lover, hiker, sports fan (especially basketball and tennis), gardener, and friend.

Trish was born and spent her childhood in Oil City, Pennsylvania. She was an excellent student and an accomplished athlete at Oil City High School, class of ‘77. During her career, Trish was the first female basketball player in Pennsylvania to score 1,000 points and still holds the school record for most points scored in a game, 48 against Titusville. The local paper called her ‘Trish the Swish.’ She was also an accomplished tennis player. Trish graduated from the University of Alabama with a BA in Economics and earned an MA in Physical Geography from the University of Oklahoma and was a PhD candidate. She was also a Rhodes Scholar.

Her love of animals started in her youth, and she had dogs throughout her life. One of her first dogs was a dachshund that she named Sammy Davis Junior Erickson. Her love of pets connected her to other dog lovers in Port Townsend and created lasting friendships and a community. Gardening and cooking also were important to Trish. She maintained a large garden at her home in Port Townsend and often canned her harvest.

She retired from the city of Seattle where she was a finance manager. Shortly after retiring, she moved to Port Townsend where she formed a strong bond with friends and neighbors. After retiring, Trish volunteered at the North Winds Gallery in Port Townsend and the Humane Society of Jefferson County.

Trish was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Barbara (McDonald), and her sister, Johanna. She is survived by her Aunt Lois (Erickson) Heasley (Don), cousins Linda Tennille, Jeffrey Heasley, John Klinger, Timothy Klinger, and Connie Williams, stepmother Jane Erickson, and stepsisters Joy Henderson, Gay Eyerman, and Ann Henderson.

Trish is also survived by many dear friends including Todd Jensen and Janet Woodyard, along with her loving four-footed companions, Jordy and Micky. Trish was a kind and gentle soul. She will be missed by the many who loved her. May she rest in peace.

Donations can be made in Trish’s name to the Center Valley Animal Rescue in Quilcene, WA https://centervalleyanimalrescue.org/donations/