Mary Ellen "Mimi" Lethin

In loving memory by all who shared her passion for life's adventures, Mary Ellen "Mimi" Dill Lethin bravely and with grace fought a four-year battle against lung cancer. She is preceded in death by husband, Robert Karl Lethin (1998), brother, James Dill, and sister, Mildred Dill Masse. Mary Ellen passed quietly on March 5, 2012, her beloved husband's birthday. She leaves behind her daughter, Darlene Linnea Lethin Patch of Orinda, CA and son-in-law, Richard Ralph Patch of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren, Steven Russell Patch who affectionately nicknamed his grandmother "Mimi" and Laura Linnea Patch; son, Walter Karl Lethin and his wife Jerry Lee Johnson Lethin; their children, Carolyn Marie Lethin and Robert Karl Lethin II all of Austin, TX.
At 88 years young, Mary Ellen never met a stranger in her life. She said if she had life to do over again, she would do everything twice! Mary Ellen was born in Marks, MS on April 10, 1923, moved to CA as a Wave to serve in the US Navy during WWII, married Bob in 1949 and became the world's best professional home maker, mother and devoted wife. Bob and Mary Ellen retired to Lakeport, CA in 1974. For the next 30 years Mary Ellen enjoyed fishing, gardening, relaxing lakeside, and serving as a Grand Juror. In 2005 "Mimi" moved to Contra Costa County, CA to be closer to her daughter and her family. It is here Mary Ellen embraced assisted living environments making sunshine for numerous new friends and caregivers. Always a Southern Belle, she would say good-by to her daughter with the words "Now 'Sister', remember, pretty is as pretty does" and would advise her son, "Buster, mind your manners." She was quite a woman.
At her request, there are no services, but please join her family in individual private reflection. Messages to the family may be sent to Darlene.patch@comcast.net or to walter.lethin@yahoo.com.
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