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Post by SpringSummers on May 7, 2005 6:56:57 GMT -5
Thanks to all that have posted their thoughts about Patti here. They have been such a comfort. MARY: Great to see you again, even under such difficult circumstances. ROB, PIXI: wonderful tributes. I wanted to add mine.
Patti dived into the posting board back in the Scoop Me days. She had been referred to us by then-S’cubie, Miss Pamela. I found Patti to be such a wonderful addition to our fledgling group, that I emailed Miss Pamela, thanking her for referring Patti to us.
Patti’s style as an S3 technopagan is best described by paraphrasing the opening lines of Rudyard Kipling’s poem, If : She could keep her head, even if all about her were losing theirs.
She was an extremely intelligent, talented person – savvy, educated, experienced, and knowledgeable. And she was a strong woman who had overcome many challenges to build a secure and happy life. Patti could have bragged about many things, or made endless plays for our sympathy and admiration. But she had an inner confidence and stability that precluded the need or desire to do so.
She listened wonderfully. She was fair and honest - she was a person of high integrity, and one that I trusted completely. She was who she seemed to be.
She left a part of her heart with us. We will guard it with care.
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Post by SpringSummers on May 7, 2005 6:59:27 GMT -5
That's because the family opted for brevity for the sake of economics. The longer the obituary, the costlier. The only question I have is the published time of the funeral. I was under the impression it was at 1PM. I'll call in the morning and check. In the meantime, I've signed the guestbook and added our favorite Patti-trait. It's just such a great shot of her, I figured it belonged there. Wonderful thought. Hope you are doing OK, Diane. Many hugs to you!
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Post by SpringSummers on May 7, 2005 7:00:55 GMT -5
I found this online:PATRICIA "PATTI" THOMPSON, passed away on May 2, 2005 at the age of 59. She was born on September 12, 1945 in Savannah, GA to the late Charles L. "Sarge" and Stella "Pat" (Patton) Thompson. Patti had been a schoolteacher in Dallas and Victoria for 10 years before beginning a career with Texaco. Following her retirement from Texaco she devoted her time to genealogy research. Survivors include one sister Vickry Kayser and husband Tom; one brother, Cal Thompson and wife Sharon; three aunts, Rebecca Badon, Dorothy Wharton, Jean Maultsby; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the chapel of Pat H. Foley & Co. Published in the Houston Chronicle on 5/6/2005. www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/LegacyHome.asp?Page=FullText&PageNo=3&CalendarDate=5/6/2005&Product=0&FullTextType=0The link takes you to a full page list; you have to scroll down. Thanks for sharing this, Laura.
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Post by Speaker-to-Customers on May 7, 2005 9:15:46 GMT -5
I must admit I hardly ever interacted with Patti. One IM to do with a survey is the sum total of our communication, and I can't claim to have known her. But I've read the whole of the thread and she was obviously a very special person and greatly loved by the long-term members of the group. It is obvious that she will be greatly missed.
I send my sympathies and condolences to the S'Cubies who knew her, to her family and her friends.
Paul alias Speaker-to-Customers
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Post by Matthew on May 7, 2005 11:56:17 GMT -5
Patti's funeral will be at two o'clock Central time, three Eastern time, and noon Pacific time, for those wishing to turn their thoughts Houstonward. Sorry I don't have Greenwich or Hawaii or Australia time down..
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Post by Lola m on May 7, 2005 12:31:34 GMT -5
I'm not gonna be as eloquent as Rob or Spring or . . . well, anyone else, probably. All I could do was think of words or ideas that describe Patti to me, and then try to explain why. Thoughts about Patti. To me, writing will be her lasting legacy. Not only her own stories or chapters (not near enough of them exist!), but her invaluable skills as a beta and, most importantly, as an encourager. So many writers here owe a debt to her. I would never have had the guts to actually put something out there for others to read if Patti hadn’t suggested it. I would never have continued with another Lost review if Patti hadn’t encouraged and praised. Witty and funny and flirty and sexy and fun. I’d wait for her posts, for “Patti-itis”, because she always had the best one liners around. Double (or triple) entendre bantering when we were in perpetual Wednesday mode , holding her own with her fellow Spike-obsessives, providing clever word play about a new Lost or BSG episode. Reading the posts from her and Vlad’s post-s’cubiefest “road trip across the south” was such a treat. “Here we are in a parking lot in Atlanta.” “Here we are in a pancake house in Florida.” “Here we are visiting Rob and Rae.” Her and I had such fun together in Houston, plotting how we’d tease Spring (and Cal and Winter and . . . ) – all the ways we’d claim to be about to run away with James and claim him as our own. Fiercely loyal. No one loved our S3 community like Patti. Along with Sue, she was always one of the happiest to see and greet each new member (something that I hope has rubbed off on me), always one to encourage folks to stick around or to contribute or take part or be involved. Not just able, but willing to say “sorry” when she was wrong or if she felt she’d been sharp with someone. (Fierce loyalty will do that, you know.) Rarely brought her troubles to the board and when she did, it was always with a funny twist or way to make light. Yet there with the sympathy (and when Patti offered sympathy it was always sincere) to others when they had troubles. A happy Patti was a Patti that shared that happiness with everyone. Looking back over the last year, I can only be grateful that we all got to see: Patti excited about all the good new shows and the new members joining the site; Patti exuberant and "can't wait" over Alias DVDs or new books to read; Patti contentedly enjoying a lovely quiet day with her kitties; Patti blushing and happy and teary because of the presentation of her “board protector” umbrella or a heartfelt post from Rob explaining just why she was a wonderful woman. Patti, meeting you at the Houston con was my favorite part, too. Lola
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Post by raenstorm on May 7, 2005 13:14:12 GMT -5
Patti, I miss you and will love you always.
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Post by Anne, Old S'cubie Cat on May 7, 2005 13:56:31 GMT -5
Goodbye, Patti, I'll miss you.
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Post by Karen on May 7, 2005 14:02:37 GMT -5
I light a candle just for you to bring you close, as I once knew. The flame burns so very bright through the day and cold dark night. I watch the candle's twinkling glow with the thought that I know, you will in my heart remain forever come sun or rain. As the flame drifts far away precious words to you I say 'God bless you my dear one for all my memories have just begun.' (Joy Gale) Forever in peace and love, Patti. Karen
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Post by Cal on May 7, 2005 14:06:15 GMT -5
I have many happy memories of you, Patti. I will cherish them forever. You were one of the kindest, sweetest people anyone could ever hope to meet. I love and miss you so very much.
Your friend,
Cal
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Post by Sue on May 7, 2005 14:07:01 GMT -5
Thinking of Patti. Missing her, like all of you. Taking a moment to honor her, her memory, her example, and her legacy. Thinking of Diane and her family at the "official" service and keeping them all in my prayers.
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Post by SpringSummers on May 7, 2005 14:10:59 GMT -5
When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness She is standing right in front of me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. Let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
And when the broken hearted people Living in the world agree, There will be an answer, let it be. For though they may be parted there is Still a chance that they will see There will be an answer, let it be. Let it be, let it be. There will be an answer, let it be.
And when the night is cloudy, There is still a light that shines on me, Shine on until tomorrow, let it be. I wake up to the sound of music Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. Let it be, let it be. ~Paul McCartney
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Post by Shan on May 7, 2005 15:06:04 GMT -5
I can't say anything any more beautfiul or meaningful than anyone else has said. All I can think of is the things I'm grateful for now.
I'm grateful for all of you being here. I'm grateful for being able to be here myself. I'm grateful for my love. I'm grateful for my life and my health and my children and my home.
I'm grateful for Patti, not so much for the things that she taught me or the happy ways she ever made me feel, but for the fact that she just was. For everyone.
Thank you for being, Patti.
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Post by Becky H on May 7, 2005 15:42:19 GMT -5
I paused, this afternoon, while I was outside planting fresh flowers for the spring. Bee balm and bronze fennel for the butterflies, lavendar and rosemary for the kitchen, and zinnias and petunias just because, annuals though they are, they bring color and beauty to the world. With my fingers in good earth and the smell of coming rain on the wind from the south, I paused and thought of Patti.
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Post by Shan on May 7, 2005 15:47:18 GMT -5
I paused, this afternoon, while I was outside planting fresh flowers for the spring. Bee balm and bronze fennel for the butterflies, lavendar and rosemary for the kitchen, and zinnias and petunias just because, annuals though they are, they bring color and beauty to the world. With my fingers in good earth and the smell of coming rain on the wind from the south, I paused and thought of Patti. (((Becky)))) I was outside, too, on a warm and windy day. Just sweeping the porch and tidying the yard, and I paused as well, thinking the same things.
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