Obituary of Patricia Erle Eastman

Patricia Erle Russell Eastman of Sarasota, Florida died peacefully on January 15, 2017 at Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota after a brief illness. Known as Pattie, she was born on December 21, 1933 in New Rochelle, New York. She attended Mary Burnham School in North Hampton, Massachusetts and Katherine Gibbs Academy in New York City. After graduation, Pattie worked for Rayonier in the Chrysler Building in NYC. In 1956, she married Warren Eastman, and together they had 3 children, Cindy, Richard and Susan. After marriage, Pattie devoted her time and energy to raising their three children. Her professional skills were used in her volunteer work, beginning at Springdale Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, where she and Warren also led the church Youth Group. She also worked for a time for a local psychologist managing his practice. Once Warren was relocated back to Connecticut, Pattie continued to give of her time to the Guilford Free Public Library, The Mercy Center and many projects at their church. She earned a CNA certificate and volunteered at a nearby nursing home and spent many years working with SARAH, an agency that provides programs and services for people with intellectual and other disabilities. When Pattie and Warren retired to Osprey, Florida, Pattie's volunteering continued in her work with their church, St. Andrew's UCC and the many organizations with which she and Warren became involved. Resurrection House, SURE, Habitat for Humanity and Hospice benefitted from her commitment to helping others, a facet of her nature that was her signature quality. Volunteering wasn't the only outlet; her poetry and drawings will continue to bring inspiration and love to those fortunate enough to have experienced it. A gentle soul, Pattie was creative, funny and loving and she will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community. Pattie is survived by her husband Warren Eastman and their children Cindy, Richard and Susan. She is survived by grandchildren Annie, Christopher Justine and John and great-grandson Luca. Her loss also impacts Angelo, Stephan, Tony and Adam and her longtime friend Pris. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Farley Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, St. Andrew's UCC of Sarasota on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Pattie's name to the St. Andrews Church Memorial Garden or Tidewell Hospice Sarasota, Florida.