I met Patti in 1970 at Penn State when we were both students, and I never knew of her interests in children and children’s books. We talked of music, mutual friends, and the radio theatre troop, The Firesign Theatre. I am so happy I had a chance to reunite with Patti via email this past spring, after a nearly 50 year separation, but I wish it had happened much earlier so we could have talked about children’s literature and storytelling. It was wonderful to reconnect with my friend who always was sweet and kind and loving. Patti was a special friend for that single year in the 50 our paths intertwined. I share my condolences with her family and friends.

Patti was someone that meant so much to me. I remember she and I would always talk in the afternoons at work. I loved listening and hear her and share so much of her life with me. She saw me grow from a girl to a woman from my first day working at ChildSpace to the end. I’m very fortunate for the time that I had spent with her. I’m also grateful for the memory of visiting her when she was ill at her summer home to meet my son, Cadence, for the first time a few months after him being born. Patti meant so much more to me than just being a coworker of mine, she was such a friend and I’m going to miss her terribly. Rest In Peace, Patti.

This is the love that Patti and Sylviane have inspired over the years. Pure. Joy. Love. Thank you Ms. Patti, for your generosity and loving attention to our children. We will miss you but will feel you in the soft falling of the snow... Peace. Love, Erica