Patricia Mary Dettman

1938 - 2025

Patricia "Pat" Mary Fulton Dettman, 86, of St. Helena, CA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on June 16, 1938, in San Francisco, CA, to proud parents Robert Fulton and Helen Lowery, Patricia was blessed with a childhood full of love and guidance. A few years after her father's death, Patricia and her mother, along with her brother, moved to Napa to be near her mother's family, a place that became her home. It was there, in the heart of Napa Valley, that Patricia graduated from Napa High School on June 15, 1956.

After high school, Patricia worked at Monte La Salle (Christian Brothers Winery) as a lab technician for nine years. It was here that she met the love of her life, Richard Dettman, and together they began their journey. On July 28, 1961, Patricia and Richard were married in an intimate ceremony, with just five guests in attendance. Their love and devotion to each other formed the foundation for a beautiful life together.

Together, Richard and Patricia built a loving home in St. Helena, where they raised three daughters. Through the years, they shared not only their family but also their passions, their careers, and their travels. Their adventures took them to Europe, New Zealand, China, Canada, and on a memorable 11,782-mile road trip across the United States in their Ford Ranger. Through it all, they remained devoted to each other and endlessly proud of their daughters.

Patricia's life was a reflection of her deep faith in God, her boundless love for her family, and her appreciation for life's simple joys. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she had a way of making everyone feel special. Whether tending to her garden, sewing baby blankets with love, or preparing meals for a crowd, Patricia poured her heart into everything she did.

In addition to her role as a loving homemaker, Patricia also opened her heart and home as a licensed daycare provider, caring for numerous pre-schooled children, many of whom were the children of teachers. She found immense joy in watching these children grow, graduate, and eventually become parents themselves. The impact she had on their lives-and the love she shared with them-will be remembered for generations.

Patricia is survived by her three daughters: Christine Dettman, Catherine Dettman, and Carolyn (Steven) Dettman Dunn; her daughter of the heart, Wendy Marie Leong, in Rotorua, New Zealand; and her grandchildren, Jessica Rose Harris and Christopher Paul Harris. She is also survived by her niece Jody Hurd (Brad) and nephew Jim Wisdom (Carla), as well as her goddaughters Karen Altamura and Kaele Varrelman. Patricia was blessed with many close friends who became family over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Fulton and Helen Lowery; her brother, James Fulton; and her beloved husband of 60 years, Richard Dettman.

A celebration of Patricia's life will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church on Friday, March 14, 2025, under the direction Father Manuel Chavez. A Rosary service will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 12:00 p.m. noon. Reception to follow in the parish life center behind St. Helena Catholic Church. All are welcome to join in honoring Patricia's life, her legacy of love, and the joy she brought to so many. Internment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Vincent DePaul (PO Box 1095, Rohnert Park, CA 94927), St. Helena Catholic Church (1340 Tainter Street, St. Helena, CA 94574), or a charity of your choosing.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Adventist Health Martin - O'Neil Cancer Center, Dr. Ari Umutyan, Dr. Gregory Smith and Janine Braby. Patricia was deeply grateful for the kind and expert care provided by Dr. Robin McCarthy, whose unwavering support always made her feel better. A special thanks to the wonderful Providence Hospice Napa Valley team, especially Kathryn, Vanessa, Delisa, Allison, and Jane, for their compassionate care during Patricia's final days.

May Patricia rest in peace, forever in our hearts, and continue to inspire us with the love, faith, and warmth she shared throughout her beautiful life.