Patricia Lee Derickson's Obituary
Patricia Lee Derickson
June 11, 1945 - January 7, 2025
Patti Derickson was born in Johnstown Pennsylvania to Fred Zoltan
Toth, Hungarian, and Elizabeth Javonavich Toth, Croatian, who were
second generation Americans. She grew up in Dilltown, PA and
throughout life remained close with her good childhood friend. She
attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor
of Arts in Music, majoring in classical piano. Her first major purchase
was a Knabe Baby Grand Piano.
Desiring to see the world, Patti sought to be a Flight Attendant and
received offers to sign on with Eastern Airlines and Trans World
Airlines. She chose TWA where she gave dedicated service for 33
years.
On August 29, 1970 Patti married Richard Derickson in Pensacola,
Florida, one week before his commission as a Naval Flight Officer.
In the 1980’s and 1990’s Patti was an avid sailor, cruising from
Huntington, New York on a J30 and later a CAL 33. In 2002 her
boating ventures were on a Sea Ray Sundancer 37 yacht, in which
she motored around Manhattan’s bridges and the Statue of Liberty, a
5-hour excursion at 22 knots.
From New Jersey she moved to Wailea, Maui in 2009 and became a
member of the King Kamahamaha Golf Club, where she distinguished
herself by winning a club driver for closest to the pin on the par 3
17th hole.
Patti was a lovingly devoted wife and is survived by her husband of
54 years. She is survived also by her brother-in-law Lee Derickson, brother-in-law Matthew Derickson,
sister-in-law Cathleen Derickson and brother-in-law Russell
Derickson. Patti is dearly loved and will be in our hearts forever.
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