Hello, Patti-lover,
If you are reading this, you already know that Patti Roberts died on January 7, 2011, in the lovely paradise of Yelapa, Mexico. She was snorkeling and enjoying life the way she always did. This space is intended to remember her in all of her wonderfulness, her sweetness and her spice, her out-there-ness and her vulnerability. Many of us have loved her and laughed with her for decades. Please take this opportunity to join in appreciation of the life she led, the lives she touched, and the memories we will hold forever.
Love,
Karen, one of the many
** To post, please click on " __ Comments" (number of comments) below. There you will find the thread of comments plus a space to add yours. You must sign in through your Google or another "Friend Connect" account. If you do not have one, you can create one.
Where to even begin? I guess at the beginning, in Oakland, where Patti staked out her place and held fast to it for the next 41 years. During that time, we all revolved around her, often coming home to her, both emotionally and in some cases with toothbrush in hand. One always knew where one stood with Patti, and I always treasured standing by her. She introduced us all to new adventures, identified birds when we couldn't, traveled with us far and wide, and anchored us when we drifted. Patti will always mean home to me.
ReplyDeleteOur Patti strong, courageous, straightforward, yet vulnerible and deeply caring. Patti knew how to be the best of friends - candid, reliable and deeply loyal, almost to a fault. She held our confidences, our stories, she held our hearts. She made space. With her absence my universe is changed.
ReplyDeletePatti has been a dear friend and beautiful mentor to me. I still can't bellieve that she is gone. She will always be in my heart and in the hearts of many. I appreciate her and love her so very much.
ReplyDeleteI am filled with sadness at losing her. She was so wonderful and helpful and and kind to me and to so many. She was always there for me. She was selfless and courageous and compassionate activist and friend, with a great sense of humor and such warmth and unconditional love. I still can't believe that I can't call her and that I will never see her beautiful smile again or hear her voice again, except in my memories.
I am so thankful to have known her.
Thank you so very much for creating this site and a Memorial. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help. I know that this must be a dificult time for many who loved her. Over the years that I knew her, she spoke of her friends often and with such love. Some of you, I have been blessed to meet through Patti. I am sorry for everyones loss.
Thank you,
Sharyn
What do we do when such a bright star goes out of our universe? Patti was one of the most remarkable women I have ever known. Her intellect, her generous and caring nature, her so very straightforward and no nonsense point of view - on everything. I learned so much from Patti and wanted so much more. She died fully engaged in life doing what she loved. I take some small solice in knowing that.
ReplyDeletePatti: Best Bike Buddy, gym and coffee buddy, talk on the phone 2-3 times weekly buddy, email often buddy, birder-mentor buddy,good friend for at least 30 years buddy. She is all the above comments and all those to come. Nobody is like our Patti. No buddy.
ReplyDeletePatti the lawyer ...
ReplyDeleteA few years ago my mom was laid off her job at the bank in December a couple months before she intended to retire. Of course mom was livid. She wanted to sue.
I emailed Patti and she agreed to meet us on a Saturday (which accommodated my schedule) at her office.
Patti listened intently as mom described the circumstances leading up to her layoff. Patti asked her a number of questions, explained the standard for age discrimination. My mom thanked Patti for her time. I waited then, for my mom to tell me what she wanted to do.
My mom ceased to raise the issue of a law suit.
Though most of you have never met my mom. She is opinionated and not tempered in expressing what she thinks.
From time to time ask about that "Patti, the lawyer." I let her know this past weekend of Patti's passing. My mom said, "I am sorry to hear that. She was so young ..."
Patti of course refused to send a bill as well as any offer of renumeration.
I thanked her at the time. Yet it seemed so inadequate.
The last time I saw Patti was on the occasion of her birthday celebration. We had to bow out early and skip Cheryl Wheeler's show at F & S because my mom had commanded a dinner appearance. But Patti had met my mom and gave me a tight squeeze and nodded her understanding.