Andy Friedle Dignan

July 12, 1932 to August 9, 2022

Andy passed away peacefully of natural causes in the presence of close family.

Born Agnes Ann Friedle to Frank and Alma, it was not until age 8 that a deaf classmate gave her the forever-beloved nickname, “Andy.” The following years found her and her younger brother Fred at 40 Mile Camp in the Yukon. Her dad, as a mining engineer, as well her reluctant mom, a teacher, were chasing Klondike gold. Then Andy contracted polio at age 11. A heroic winter trip by horse drawn sleigh to needed care in Dawson, is a story in itself.

A year later and back home in Portland, Andy attended Cathedral Grade School, St. Mary’s Academy, then graduated from Lincoln High School with the unusually close-knit class of 1949. Pledging Pi Phi at the University of Oregon, she met Pat Dignan and earned a BA in history. Upon graduation they married and began a magnificent 67 year journey until Pat’s passing this past year. Pat became an officer in the Air Force and they moved to Long Island where they met lifelong friends. This was her gift to all, making lasting friends everywhere including those during their extensive travels abroad. The dynamic duo filled 67 wonderful years of marriage resulting in three children: Todd, Laurie, and Teddy. Traditions were established early including annual trips to Timberline Lodge and the family’s beach cabin at Tierra del Mar. We gathered together for everything imaginable. She and Pat were longtime Duck supporters and season ticket holders. Pat climbed the ladder at Northwest Natural Gas, retiring as Vice President of Marketing which made Andy very proud. Mom juggled Pat’s career, family, and hosted countless gatherings while, again, making more lifelong friends. Andy balanced all, including leadership and deep involvement in many organizations, her children’s schools, chairing the Junior League of Portland, Albertina Kerr, and was Chaperone to the 1969 Rose Festival Court. She founded Business Communication Center in 1979.

Andy is survived by her kid brother, Fred; as well her three children, Todd, Laurie, and Teddy. Her greatest joy were her six grandchildren, Peter, Kristina, Sean, Jenny, Mitchell, and Seamus. On those heels came great-grandchildren, Chloe and Luke, The family’s Matriarch was a tremendously giving person.

Her indomitable spirit showed itself each hour of every day. Never a cross nor derogatory word towards anyone. May she live long in all of us.

Read our story about Pat and Andy Dignan.