Obituary of Joy Blaney Patten

Joy Blaney Patten, with family by her side, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2021, at the age of 91.     She resided at the Glebe Retirement Community in Daleville, Virginia, where she lived for the last15 years.

Joy was born in Boston in 1930, the eldest child of David and Marjory Blaney of Weston, MA.  After finishing studies at Mills College in Oakland, California she graduated as a registered nurse from the Cornell School of Nursing in New York City. During her studies there she met a medical student, Robert Patten, to whom she was married from 1953 until her husband’s death in 2006.  Joy is survived by her sister, Edith Greene and her brother, Benjamin Blaney, her children: Susan Patten Woodie-Williams (Wayne), Kathryn Patten Muether (John), Rebecca Patten Dagley, Robert Chester Patten, Jr, (Brenda) and Elizabeth Patten Merian (Bob); twelve grandchildren:  Adam Woodie, Tim Muether, Joy Veldkamp, Anne Muether, William Muether, Laura Dagley, Kate Dagley, Amanda Patten, Robert Patten III, Daniel Merian, Jenny Merian Byrne and Claire Merian.  Joy was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Aiden, Paisley, Asher, James, Claire, John, Peter, Jack, Ezra and Henry.

A faithful follower of Jesus Christ, Joy was dedicated to raising her family in Floyd and Roanoke, serving her church and working as a nurse. She and her husband served as medical missionaries in South Korea from 1974 to 1978 under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church of the United States, where they provided medical services and sharing of the gospel.  Upon the completion of their term of service they returned to the Roanoke Valley where she served on the nursing staff of Hollins University.          

Joy attended the second Peaks Presbyterian Pilgrimage weekend in 1989.  She continued to be active and financially supported their ministry for years. She loved, and was devoted to, a close group of friends who shared weekly Pilgrimage Reunion Meetings for many years.   

Joy and Bob loved traveling and some of their favorite trips included Ireland, Scotland, Alaska, New Zealand and of course, the coast of Maine.

Joy’s favorite place to be was on her family’s beloved Ironbound Island in Maine. We will always remember her sitting in the middle of the fields on Ironbound, picking blueberries and cranberries and sharing her cranberry sauce. Joy was an avid reader and never missed a question playing Trivial Pursuit games.  She enjoyed sharing her love of books, opera, the symphony and musicals with her children and grandchildren. Whether summering in Maine or at home, she enjoyed the company of family and friends, always extending gracious hospitality. She has left an empty place in our hearts, but we know she is rejoicing with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The family would like to express their love and gratitude to all of the friends and staff at The Glebe who supported and cared for Joy over the years.  The friendship, love and compassion they showed to her will never be forgotten. 

A celebration of Joy’s life will be held for family at a later date on Ironbound Island in Maine. A Memorial Service for friends will be held at The Glebe on Saturday, November 13^th at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to New Life Presbyterian Church, 101 Keesling Ave., Salem, VA 24153.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at simpsonfuneral.com.