Patricia Ann Whitten ... active in church; at 90

BERWICK, Maine - Patricia Ann Whitten, 90, of Berwick, died peacefully on Oct. 25, 2024, at Pinnacle Sanford after a long illness.

Pat was born on Dec. 18, 1933, daughter of Horace Buxton and Hazel Look Buxton at her grandparent's farm in Addison, Maine, and grew up in Pittsfield. Pat graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1952 and then married the love of her life, Dolnar "Don" Whitten. The newlyweds moved to Somersworth, N.H., for a few years and then to Ridlon Road in Berwick where they raised their family.

With four young children needing direction and engagement and seeing a lack of inclusive local youth groups, Pat researched the possibilities, then coordinated with New Hampshire Extension Service to restart the Blackberry Hill 4-H Club in Berwick, where she mentored numerous young people and provided a safe place for all to learn and grow. Pat often took great pride in the number of her kids who earned state-wide honors in 4-H. In recognition of her leadership efforts, she was selected as an outstanding New Hampshire 4-H leader to go to Washington.

When she realized her eyesight was beginning to fail, she resigned from the 4-H Club leadership. Through Maine Vocational Rehab, Pat retrained as a COBOL software programmer, working at Liberty Mutual in Portsmouth for several years, making many new friends.

Pat accepted early retirement from Liberty Mutual, and took on a challenge from her church pastor to expand and grow the local food pantry based at the church. Pat grew the pantry from a few church families to well over 200 families a month, finally retiring from that position in 2006. In 2008, Pat was recognized as a Hometown Hero for her pantry work.

Pat always had a place in her heart for people in need of love and comfort and took joy in giving to others, through teaching, the food pantry, or giving of herself emotionally.

Pat loved her church and continued to work many church functions including leading the Spaghetti Supper and Funeral Reception Teams, and participating on Mission Committee for many years.

Pat was predeceased by her brother Raymond Buxton, and is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Don, her daughter Deborah Hall (husband Kenneth), son David Whitten (wife Scottie), son Richard Whitten, daughter Christine Stolpe (husband David), son Douglas Whitten (wife Kelly), countless grandchildren and great grandchildren, and held a special place in her heart for her Buxton nephew Steve and niece Kathy.