Obituary of Patty Pendleton DuPuis
Patty Pendleton DuPuis, known as Honey to her grandchildren, passed away peacefully at age 86 on October 1, 2024. She was born November 28, 1937, in Roanoke, VA and grew up in Wytheville, VA.
Patty attended George Wythe High School and Stuart Hall in Staunton, VA, before graduating from Hollins College in 1959. During her college years, she played basketball, field hockey and lacrosse. She was also an avid tennis player. After graduation, she moved to Richmond, VA, to teach math at Thomas Jefferson High School. It was in Richmond that she met Robert Thomsen DuPuis, known as Tom, and they married in 1961 in Wytheville.
After their marriage, Patty and Tom moved to New York City, followed by stops in St. Louis, MO, and Wilmington, DE. However, in 1968, they returned to Wytheville to raise their family.
A lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wytheville, VA, Patty dedicated many years to serving as Treasurer and Trustee, leading the Altar Guild, and participating in several search committees. She actively contributed to the weekday school and numerous Vacation Bible Schools, and she was involved in many church events and community activities. Patty volunteered to the Wythe County Community Hospital Auxiliary. She and Tom were strong supporters of Wytheville Community College, where they were honored with the VFCCE Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. Additionally, Patty was a long-time member of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Patty served as a substitute teacher for many years in Wythe County Schools, making a positive impact on students’ lives. In 1984, she and Tom established P & T Products, a ready-mix concrete company, which they successfully ran until their retirement in 2000.
Patty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Tom DuPuis. She was also preceded by her parents, Nathanial W. Pendleton and Margeret T. Pendleton, as well as her sister, Margeret Pendleton Bowers, and her brothers, Nathanial W. Pendleton, Jr. and Mann Randolph Page Pendleton.
She is survived by her children: Robert T. DuPuis, Jr. (Sheri), A. Penn DuPuis (Linda), Andrew W. DuPuis (Susan), and Patty T. DuPuis. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Ben DuPuis (Elizabeth), Sam DuPuis, Thomas DuPuis, Anna DuPuis, Joshua DuPuis, Ellie DuPuis, Lulu DuPuis, and Nate DuPuis. Patty is also survived by her brother, William Pendleton, her sisters, Jane Pendleton Cook and Elizabeth Pendleton Geffert, along with many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family wants to thank all of Honey’s caregivers over the last several years especially Teresa Corvin and Alice Jones.
The family will receive friends at Grubb Funeral Home on Friday, October 11, from 6:30 – 8:30. A service will take place at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, October 12, at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at West End Cemetery. All guests are warmly invited to a reception at Wytheville Country Club after the burial. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make a donation to the Wytheville Community College, specifically the Robert N. DuPuis and Nathaniel W. Pendleton Scholarship Fund. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.