WILMINGTON — Sally Diane Patterson Putnam, 89, of Wilmington, NC, passed away surrounded by family on November 9, 2024. Sally was born on January 16, 1935, in Bridgetown, Barbados, to William Patrick Patterson and Hilda Daphne Goddard Patterson.
Barbados, held a special place in Sally’s heart, returning countless times, and staying connected to her 30 first cousins. Though she lived and raised her family in the United States, Sally always referred of Barbados as home.
After graduating from Codrington College in Barbados, Sally moved to New York City to study nursing at Columbia School of Nursing. While at Columbia, Sally met her husband, Louis Reppert Putnam M.D., who was studying medicine at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. Sally and Louis were married January 15, 1957 in Bridgetown, Barbados. After finishing their educations in New York, Sally and Louis settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they raised their four children.
Sally was known for her kind spirit, relentless energy and her unwavering commitment to helping those in need, a passion that defined her life and legacy. She was a nurse in the Wyoming public school system, where she made a significant impact on the lives of many. As an active community member, Sally was involved with the Cincinnati Junior League, Meals on Wheels, a Pro Kids advocate, active in many roles at The Church of Ascension and Holy Trinity, through the St Elizabeth Foundation established annual nursing scholarships as well as funding treatment and education for opioid users, and supported various community activities.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers William Patterson and David Patterson and her husband, Louis. She is survived by her four children; David Hardie Putnam (Shirley Putnam) of Tuscon, Arizona, William Patterson Putnam (Flavio Francisco) of Miami, FL, Jane Putnam Fallanca (Jeffrey Fallanca) of Johns Island, SC, and Andrew Russell Putnam (Saralyn MacKenzie) of Gisborne, NZ. Sally was a devoted grandmother to her six cherished grandchildren: Forrest Fallanca (Elizabeth Fallanca) of Raliegh, NC, Hannah Fallanca Kohut (Clifford Kohut) of South Port, NC, Sally Fallanca Cogan (Andrew Cogan) of Denver CO, Thomas Fallanca, of Charleston, SC, Colby Goddard Putnam of Dunedin, NZ, and Connor MacKenzie Putnam of Gisborne, NZ. Later in life she got true joy from her great grandchildren Emma Kohut, Andrew Kohut, and Beckett Fallanca.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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