Patricia A. "Patty" Dean

Dear Dean Family - Our hearts are with you during this difficult time. Let the beautiful memories flow! All our love- Dan Kelly Family

I wouldn’t be here to write this if it weren’t for Patty. When I was five and Patty six we went to Pheasant Branch preserve to play. It was Spring or early Summer and the water level in the creek was much higher than normal. It was well above the stepping stones where the creek crossed the path and was moving with a good deal of force. Patty went ahead of me. The water was above our knees. As I was crossing the current knocked me over and started carrying my downstream. The water was up to my chest and it’s force was so strong I couldn’t get myself upright. It knocked around as it pulled me further away from the crossing. There were about six older boys on the bank at the crossing. They all stared as the water dragged me toward the bend in the stream, where the water would be over my head and I knew I would drown. I was hoping they’d help but they just stood and stared. Suddenly, Patty was back in the water, charging toward me like a racehorse, her eyes locked on me with determination. Barely bigger than me, I don’t know how she wasn’t swept into the current herself. Somehow, she reached me, grabbed my outstretched hand and pulled me to my feet. She then led me back upstream, never letting go of my hand until we were safely out of the water. I’ll never forget it. Patty was one of the most self-possessed persons I’ve ever known. Even at the age of five, which was her age when I met her, she had the aura of an ancient, bearded sage ensconced on a misty mountaintop. Her beautiful hazel eyes were steady and calm and took in everything around her. She didn’t flounder around or do clueless things like most kids. Everything she did seemed deliberate and well-planned. In the second grade she was already making her own clothes and was really good at it. She possessed the natural confidence to master skills well beyond her age. She took on challenges without blinking and excelled at them. She used to climb onto her bed frame and launch herself into a full air summersault, landing perfectly on her mattress. Completely fearless. The only think I ever knew her to be afraid of was the Big Dipper. I don’t remember which older sibling this was attributed to, but it kept her from sleeping in a tent out on the lawn with us on summer nights. She was sure that the Big Dipper was going to swoop down, scoop her up, and carry her off to the sky. There was no convincing her otherwise - she was sure if she spent the night outdoors she’d be stolen away by that constellation. In all other things, Patty was completely cool and collected. Everything she did had an elegant efficiency. Even in adolescence, when most of us were getting stupider by the day, Patty never seemed to take a false step. While many of us were doing idiotic things, dating all the wrong people, and doing stupid teenage things, Patty found a smart, steady guy and stuck with him for life. She made everything look deceptively simple. Now that the Big Dipper has carried her up to the stars, her light will shine even brighter and expand farther than ever. Yet when there is a need, I’m sure she’ll find a way to reach through the veil with a beautiful, firm, but gentle hand. Rest in Greatness.

Mike and family, We are so sad to hear of Patty's passing, she was so fun and witty, never afraid to speak her mind. Although, we didn't see each other often, we have shared some really great times over the years, fond memories that will be held close to our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our deepest sympathy, Otto & Gillian

With deepest sympathy,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Waldmann Construction Team!