Patricia "Patty" Deery
Patricia (Patty) Deery passed away on Monday, April 17, at the age of 59, while in the care of the compassionate staff of the Palliative Care Center at Sanford South. Her family was by her side as she peacefully left this earth and went to be with the Lord. She had waged a long difficult fight with cancer.
Patty and her husband, Cliff (CJ) are both from Jamestown, ND. They married August 18, 1979 and raised four boys in Fargo. All the boys continue to live and work in Fargo; Christopher, Philip, Nick and Dexter. Patty has a 4 year old grandson, Finley. Patty is survived by her dad, Glyndon White, Jamestown, two sisters, Kathy Lee, Devils Lake and Linda Isakson, Bismarck and one brother Robert, Billings, Montana. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy White.
Patty dedicated her entire professional life to young children and their families. She graduated from NDSU in 1980 with a degree in Child Development. She had several management positions with area programs serving children and families including Clay County Public Health, Tri-Valley Opportunity Council Head Start, Ottertail Wadena Head Start, and SENDCAA Early Head Start. She conducted workshops throughout the region on child development and she authored a resource guidebook for preschool staff and parents identifying appropriate child development activities for various ages. She was active in working for the inclusion of young children with disabilities into the Head Start environment.
Everyone who knew Patty described her as a woman who knew what she wanted. She never was fearful of speaking her mind. She loved supporting the NDSU Bison, the Green Bay Packers and the UND hockey team. She and her sisters loved taking road trips to various casinos and up until her mom's passing included her in an annual trip to someplace new every year.
Patty was a good cook and an even better baker. She loved making all kinds of wonderful desserts. Every holiday season she made a trip to her sister's and spent 3 days making Christmas treats for everyone. She always cooked holiday meals for her boys and no one went away hungry. Patty was the glue that held her family together. Everyone knew that when Patty arrived there would be plenty of laughter and fun.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Patty Deery Benefit, at any Town and Country Credit Union.
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We were so sad to hear the news. We are keeping you in our thoughts CJ and all you boys. She will be missed by so many.
There’s a special place in all of our hearts for our mothers, just like there’s a special place in every mother’s heart for her children. You must continue to carry her memory in that special place in your heart.
Uncle CJ, Chris, Phil, Nick, & Dexter …
We are all heart broken and full of sorrow over Aunt Patty, too young, too soon passing … what a fun personality to have in the room.
I know Aunt Patty fought a good fight, with love and dignity, that was just her way.
Know you all have a ‘special place’ in hearts, you guys were there for me not that long ago, and know you have a place at our table, in our home, always.
Much luv,
Deery’s in Deutschland
My heart shares your sorrow with Patty’s loss. I will always remember Patty as a loving and incredibly supportive mother. May you share the love she gave you with each other.
There is no family like the Deery family. Patty raised 4 awesome boys and I aspire to be half the Mom she was. So much love in my heart for your family during this difficult time. xoxo
Patty’s many contributions, her bold, delightful personality, and her gorgeous smile will be so missed. Deepest sympathies to CJ, the wonderful boys she adored and Patty’s extended family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Deery family at this time of loss. I knew Patty thru previous employment with SENDCAA Head Start and saw Patty pretty much everyday before she became ill. . . she will be missed. You have my deepest sympathy.
Nick
Considering the circumstances, I very much enjoyed meeting your mother and dad in the hospital. After talking with her a couple of times it was apparent that she loved you, your father and your brothers very much! She confided in me how much she loved and cared for you and how proud she was of you!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Sincerely,
Clay Whittlesey
I am saddened to read about Patty’s passing. I was not aware of her battle with cancer. She was at the CDC when I first started there. Although she worked in a different room than I, you could hear her infectious laughter a mile away! Prayers for you CJ and all the family.
Dear Cliff and family,
I will always remember Patty for her fun loving side off life. I was fortunate to have her as a special friend in my college years. May her memories provide comfort in the days ahead. Much love and prayers. Marn Longbella Odden
It was such a pleasure knowing this fun loving lady. There was never a dull moment with her. She always had a smile from ear to ear. I worked with her at the CDC for several years. She was a very caring, friendly boss, and friend. Our Deepest Sympathies to Cliff and the boys.
Absent from the body, present with the Lord. Rest In Peace dear cousin and deepest sympathy to your loved ones.
Chris and family. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
CJ and Boys,
I was so sorry to learn of Patty’s death. Although I did not know her well, I had heard wonderful things about her!! I know what you are all going through. It is tough!! Please know that all my prayers are with you. Your family has had a rough year! Wayne is up there telling one of his stories to Patty!!
Hopefully I will get back this summer!!
CJ and Boys. ..You had the pleasure of having Patty as family. I was blessed with having her as a Co-worker and friend. She was a delight to work with. Rest on peace my friend. Prayers and Love to the family.
Dear family, I am so sorry to hear of Patty’s death. May God bless all of you and keep you close in the days and months ahead. My memory of Patty is laughter and joy. May it be the same for you.
My life was richer in so many ways because of Patty’s friendship. Priceless memories of the times we shared together will linger in my heart each and every day. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to her family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Patty was always so sunny; it was a pleasure to be around her. I know you will miss her so much.
The Deery family holds a special place in my heart. Terribly saddened by this loss. Love you all.
Our deepest condolences to the Deery family on the passing of this wonderful wife, mother and human being, from the Schneider family. RIP, Patty.
My sweet sweet PATTI. I will miss you forever. I learned so much from you in such a short time. I will always remember how you put your arms around me and said, “it’s gonna be ok. Take a deep breath and relax. Just give it time.” I will cherish you forever!
My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of Patty. What a wonderful person she was. I met her nearly 50 years ago, in the 5th grade at Washington School. She was a fun classmate throughout our school years in Jamestown. Although I have seen her only occasionally in the years since then, thinking of her always brings a smile to my face. She always had a twinkle in her eye and a witty comment for most every situation. I will always remember her with that beautiful smile on her face. May God surround you with His peace and strength, and may you find comfort in all your special memories of Patty.
CJ & boys – I was shocked & saddened to learn of Patty’s health struggle & death. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Patty at Head Start in Moorhead, & socializing with her as well. We lost contact when I moved away, but I was happy to see her about 9 years ago & was hoping to see this fall when I come through Fargo. May peace & comfort surround you all.
To pattys family
My husband and i had the “white” kids in school,and were friends with Glynn and Dorthy.
The White family was greatly respected in Jmstn.
Pat was a fun kid and was so sorry to hear of her struggle with cancer.
May she be in peace.
Tom and Skip Olson
So sorry to hear of your loss. Too young to leave us so soon. Sounds like she was a beautiful person. Although I haven’t seen you in years, CJ I have fond memories of all the cousins at your house, Gramma Deery’s or auntie Lois’s . Your family is in my prayers. Cousin Julia Deery Bishop
I am very sorry for your loss. Although I did not know your loved one personally, I hope knowing that they are in our loving heavenly Father’s memory will bring your family comfort during this difficult time. Very soon now we can look forward to God’s promise at a Revelation 21:4: “… Death will be no more, neither will mourning, nor outcry, nor pain be anymore, the former thing gave passed away.”
I am just now learning that Patty has passed.
I just want to say that I knew her very well. Patty was an uncommon woman, uncommonly smart, and ultra compassionate toward others. She always made the people she worked closely with laugh and smile. I was in a position to know just how hard she worked as a manager she to make things work out right for everyone… children, families, and employees.
She wanted good results for those children, families so had high expectations for employees.
I believe that God will bless those who labor to help those less fortunate such as the Head Start clients she loved to help. She was a servant of the poor.
Two quotes make me think of Patty,
“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”
and
“Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”
Both of these quotes are from Mother Teresa, but could have been said about Patty Deery.