Margie (Block) shared the profoundly sad news of Patty’s illness and death with me the other day and asked that I pass it along to everyone. Margie and some of Patty’s other closest friends (including Diane (Petrica), Cathy(Saros) and Jeannette (Miller)) were all pledged to silence during Patty’s ordeal. Nevertheless, it is comforting to know that they remained in touch with her throughout this physically and emotionally terrible time.

In this pandemic era or otherwise, at our age we are all acutely aware of the vulnerability and fragility of life. Despite this reality, I felt at a complete loss after Margie made this announcement. The same is true even after several days attempting to come to terms with it. Perhaps it is because Patty’s death is among the first in our fairly close knit circle of friends, but in all candor, I think it’s more than that.

The best way for me to reconcile my personal sense of loss is to understand how integral Patty was (as indeed you all have been) re: making us who we are. Although we may have taken different paths in life after HS, subconsciously we have always taken a little bit of each other wherever we go — the happy result of many formative years of growing up in Wantagh. In effect, we have been collectively diminished by Patty’s loss in a very real sense. In losing her, we have surely lost a small piece of ourselves.

And what a shining piece to lose! Any description of Patty has to begin with her good natured spirit and radiant smile. As others have similarly noted, her vivacious appearance and ready laughter reflected a rare and blessed inner life. If laughing is a form of immortality, it is that image of her that will always remain in my mind’s eye. In the end, what better way is there to be remembered?

After many years raising her family in the state, Patty was proud to call Colorado home. Her work as a fundraiser for PBS affiliates seemed perfectly suited to such an outgoing and winning personality. While I never had the pleasure of meeting her husband Stephan, it did not completely surprise me to learn that he was a dedicated and compassionate Universalist Minister. Likewise, their daughter Alexandra, whose career as an elementary school counselor centers on caring for at risk kids, brings Patty’s concern for and kindness to others readily to mind.

May we all take some solace and a measure of peace in the secure knowledge that Patty was a lovely, graceful woman on many levels — one who was well loved by her family and many friends. Her life was genuinely full, well lived and something to be truly proud of and thankful for. For those who were lucky enough to have been part of her life, she will not just be remembered, but forever be internalized and beloved.

Rest In Peace ‘Little Red Hen’,

Ted (‘the Narrator’)