In Memory: Patricia “Patty” Deetjen, Age 84
Brooksvile/Blue Hill, Maine – Patricia “Patty” Deetjen, 84, passed away on January 2, 2021 at Blue Hill Hospital with her family by her side. Patty is survived by her two sons Leif and Cliff, daughter-in law Kim, three loving grandchildren, Alex, Ben and River and nephew Scott Burrows.
With laughter and a positive spirit, Patty enjoyed life to its fullest and always made everyone feel special. Above all, she loved making personal connections with family and friends. She would light up a room with her warm beautiful smile, find humor in any situation, and her infectious laugh made the world a better place.
Patty was the daughter of Ethel and Mel Blun of White Plains, NY. Patty was born in Scarsdale, NY on July 21, 1936. She attended The Ethel Walker School and graduated from Bradford College with a degree in Education in 1956. Her first teaching position was at Rye Country Day School. She met the love of her life, Rudolph Deetjen in 1958, a fellow teacher at Greenwich Country Day School. Patty and Rudy married in 1961 and lived in Greenwich, CT where Leif and Cliff were born. They moved to Essex Fells, NJ in 1972 and then to Mendham, NJ in 1976. Patty supported Rudy, then a headmaster of Montclair Kimberley Academy and later the Peck School in Montclair NJ, as well as both school family communities with her devoted enthusiasm and grace. She was an active member of the Junior League and many volunteer organizations. Her sport was tennis and she enjoyed aerobics to balance a busy life raising two active sons.
In 1968 Patty and Rudy built a picturesque log home on the beautiful coast of Brooksville, Maine that they affectionately named “Kings Cove”. They enjoyed summers and holidays at this special place with family and friends. After Rudy retired they moved to Maine full-time in 1998, and spent the summer season at King’s Cove and winter months in Blue Hill at Parker Ridge Retirement Community.
Among the longest standing residents at Parker Ridge, Patty and Rudy were social leaders of the community for many years. Rudy played the piano and wrote songs, and Patty was one of the first “Activity’s Directors”. In her words they were “The Boosters of Parker Ridge’. Patty knew how to make people happy and formed strong meaningful connections and developed many deep loving friendships with neighbors and the staff.
Patty’s passion was people. She truly invested in others’ lives and sincerely cared about their happiness and well-being and made a difference. Back in 2000 she volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters a mentorship program. Patty formed a strong bond with a very special little girl who still to this day considers Patty a second Mom and her best friend – as she was to so many in her life.
As an active member of the St. Francis Episcopal Church in Blue Hill Patty participated in the Flower Guild and many outreach programs. She was always aware of those in need in the community and did all she could to provide assistance or a listening ear. Patty was never “shy” of using the phone, and loved to stay connected with everyone in her life. Especially over the challenging past year of this pandemic she stayed in touch with so many, with a cheery voice and always a positive thought, Patty brightened everyone’s day.
A poem about Patty in her Ethel Walker School Senior Yearbook says it best:
From Rye comes a lass named Pat Blun,
A gal who is plum full of fun.
You’ll ne’er meet her double,
Her laughter can bubble.
And with it all hearts she has won.
Due to Covid-19 there will be no funeral service at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Tree of Life Food Pantry, P O Box 1329, Blue Hill, ME 04614 or St Francis Episcopal Church outreach programs, P O Box 76, Blue Hill, ME 04614.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth, ME 04605.
