Your unexpected passing was much too soon. I miss you and wish you could see the blooms on the succulents you gave me--just one tribute to our lives together as sisters. My lasting memory will be that your vibrancy and connectedness to your community was growing with each passing year. You will always be remembered by your family, friends and community whom you supported and enjoyed.
My one and only sister-in-law had a place in our hearts. Seeing the growth in her life and happiness in the past decade was quite compelling. The best compliment anyone could pay her is that she touched the hearts of all that met her, and she lived life fully. It was her life and she lived it well. Having art as a backdrop all the more special. She is missed.
Dear Patti Dear: You will be most surely missed as you had departed from this World way too soon that thought of. I have no judgment or decisions over these matters. I just hoped that I would be able be around more often to enjoy being with you. I do hope that I will be able to both see and to be with You in the Next Life! Yours in Christ, Your "Little brother" Hans.
In my last communication, I told Patti her travel had inspired me to live my life more fully. Through her active sense of adventure, zealous work to help others, and beautiful artistic expressions, Patti was a constant inspiration for what life can and should be. Her absence is palpable; her departure unfortunate; but her inspiration and the products of all her wonderful works live on.
Over 30 years, Patti has been a close friend. She made me part of the family, at my father's, my sister's, and my uncle's, her father's, funeral. Patti inspired me through art and her 19th century family history. She simply refused to grow old, traveling to the Holy Land, Machu Picchu and finally India. Patti even turned me onto "Proof of Heaven." Have no doubt where she is today!
Patti was Patti--- She added so much to the timbre of travel and provided, unwittingly, memories, inerasable by time. Patti with her "Right(s)" in response to many of my queries or comments provided a frequent source of discussion and humor for all. Re: the following-- She was copilot during our "family" California foray, directing our routes of travel. (My query) " Patti should I turn left?" (Patti's response) "Right". Again, "Patti, do you mean left"--- response "Right". Regardless, we always arrived. She provided the "better part" of that California visit, being an invaluable addition to all of us. Patti is a memory, unforgettable ----"Right !!"--till when Patti, till when.
The short time since Patti's unexpected departure has still not fully settled within. No more catching-up phone conversations, no more email trading, and no more picture exchanges --- (too little too late.) and the list lengthens. Patti was the closest "sister", I never had -- a breathe of fresh air, with her chuckles of agreement. Patti the artist was really an artistry called Patti. Patti graciously invited our family to spend a week with her to travel in her area years ago. This led a lively, enduring relationship between Patti and her nieces and nephew. We all have many fun memories of those adventures. Gone from me in the flesh, she will forever live in my memory/heart. To be remembered by loved ones is the most we could ever hope for---and Patti will be.
My memories of Patti are of her smiling or laughing through her smile. Patti's smile felt as if it was emanating from her soul...truly genuine...every part of her being irradiated around what was the physical motion of her smile. The loss of such a person who brought light and warmth to the world is difficult. Remembering Patti is the reminder to live the sincerest life every single moment
As I think about Patti, memories of her smiling face from our wedding (jumping in to help decorate, dance, etc), our amazing California adventure and holiday cards with happy pictures from around the world fill me with emotion. She brought her smile in all she did and volunteered to jump in wherever needed. Thank you Patti for being you and sharing yourself with all of us!!!
