Patricia Putnam

Patricia ("Pat" or "Patty") Putnam, 86, of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, July 16, 2014.

Born in North Providence, Rhode Island on April 28, 1928, Patricia was the daughter of Marion Keefe and Anthony K. Leeman, Sr. She graduated from North Providence High School and attended Mount St. Mary College in Manchester, New Hampshire. Patricia married Walter Rothemich Aust on September 2, 1950 in North Providence, Rhode Island and moved to Norwich in 1952 following Walter's second tour of duty with the United States Navy. Walter died on January 27, 1967. After his death, Patricia returned to work in order to raise their four young children. She was employed by WCHN, the radio station in Norwich, the American Management Association in Hamilton, NY, the Craine Travel Agency and Victory Markets in Norwich. She married Donald Winnie Putnam on April 22, 1972 in Norwich. Donald passed away in October 1983.

Patricia enjoyed cooking and baking, especially for her family and friends. She learned to ski and play golf later in life. Her primary sources of focus and enjoyment, however, were her family and her lifelong friends from Norwich. She was especially grateful to her son, David, and his wife, Tanya, for their assistance, which enabled her to remain in her home until she passed away. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and Alex, the youngest, brought her great happiness the past two years.

Patricia is survived by three of her children and their spouses, Karen and Christopher Browning of Manhattan, David and Tanya Aust of Norwich, and Jeffrey and Roseann Aust of Rockville, Maryland; five grandchildren, Katherine (Katie) and Margaret (Meg) of Manhattan, Alexander (Alex) of Norwich, Elizabeth and Michael of Rockville. She is also survived by two stepsons and their spouses, David and Linda Putnam, Dick and Joyce Putnam of Ithaca; five step-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Patricia was predeceased by her parents, her daughter, Pamela Aust, her brother, Anthony K. Leeman, Jr., and her stepson, Thomas Putnam.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Patricia will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Monday, July 21, 2014 at St. Paul's Church with Rev. Ralph Bove, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul's Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Sunday from 4-7 pm.

Contributions in the memory of her daughter, Pamela Aust, may be made to The Marfan Foundation, 22 Manhasset Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050, www.marfan.org.