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DETWYLER, PATRICIA C., 78
DETWYLER, PATRICIA C., 78, passed away on August 18 in Tavares, Fla. She was born in New York City, Dec. 23, 1932, the daughter of William L. Connah and Eleanna Young Connah. Her mother died when she was a young child and her father married Elizabeth Scott, known by family as Betty. Pat's early schooling was in New York City, and she obtained her teaching degree from SUNY New Paltz. There she met her husband, Robert Detwyler; they were married in 1951. While Bob was pursuing further education, Pat taught in elementary schools in New Paltz, Dover, N.H., and in Shapleigh, Maine. It was in Shapleigh that her father ran a summer art school for many years, held in a rambling, old, red farmhouse, a special memory for Pat. The house remained in her family for many years. In 1964, the Detwylers moved to Northfield, where Bob joined the Biology Department of Norwich University. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1992; he and Pat moved to Maine in 2003, and to Leesburg, Fla. in 2007, where Bob died the following year. Pat initially taught art in Northfield's elementary school, but was later encouraged by former students to start an art program in the high school. Her students called her "Mama D," or simply "Mom." During Pat's years at Northfield High School, she organized an Outing Club for students. She led her troop down the Connecticut River in canoes, up the mountains with backpacks, through the woods on skis and snowshoes, or gathered them for a simple spaghetti dinner at her house. Pat was a superlative leader of the spring vacation trips: camping in some of our most beautiful national parks from the Grand Canyon to the Everglades. There is a small wooden box kept at Northfield High School containing photos and journals of many of the trips that Pat led. Pat's teaching and leadership extended beyond her high school classes to the Methodist Youth Fellowship. Their Sunday night gatherings were held in the Detwyler home, beginning with games of pool, then the fellowship meeting, and ended with a supper of pizza. They visited the Waterbury State Hospital, learning the importance and value of volunteerism. They enjoyed trips to New York City to see a show, ride the subway and view the sights, sounds and people. Pat was not only adored by her "kids," but also loved and admired by her friends and family. She was loyal, caring, fun and strong. She is remembered for "calling a spade a spade," but always willing to listen to the opinions of others. Above all, Pat was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. During her teaching career, Pat was a working member of the Vermont Art Teachers Association and other art groups in New England. For several years after retirement, Pat ran a framing shop in her home. Pat is survived by her stepmother, Betty Galia; her son Robert and wife Linda of Greer, S.C.; and her daughter P. Patricia Pore and husband John of Tavares, Fla.: brothers William Connah and Joseph Glaia: sisters, Bette Anne McErlean, Robin Johnson and Susan Connah; granddaughters Cara Knapp, Marcy Roberto, and Serena Detwyler; and great-granddaughter Abigail Knapp. A Memorial Service will be held for Pat on June 23, 2012, at 1pm in the Norwich Chapel.
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