Patricia Ann Willett Frey, loved her family
Patricia Ann Willett Frey, 83, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, Thomas Edgar Frey, with whom she built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. Together, they created a home filled with love, warmth, and joy, and raised three children, Michael J. Frey, Christopher J. Frey (Kimberly Hudson Frey) and Sonja M. Frey, all of whom continue to carry forward her values of kindness, compassion, social activism, and resilience.
Pat was a trailblazer in her own right. She was the first woman in her family to attend university. Her passion for health and nutrition led her to a long and impactful career in public health for the State of Delaware, and later in the field of dietetics in a hospital setting, where she improved countless lives through her work.
Pat graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor of science degree in home economics on June 10, 1962. On June 7, 1975, after five years of balancing full-time work and part-time studies (with three small children at home!), Pat earned and was awarded her master of science degree in food and nutrition from University of Delaware, a testament to her perseverance and dedication to lifelong learning. Pat's commitment to education extended beyond her achievements. When she first began her career, she served as an instructor at Cambridge State Hospital and later at Delaware Technical and Community College’s University of Delaware extension in Georgetown, nurturing and mentoring many students along their professional journeys. She later served Milford Memorial Hospital as the director of dietetics for 29 years from 1972-2000 and was a registered member of the American Dietetics Association.
Pat’s family and home were the most important in her life. She and Tom cleared the land and built their home in Dagsboro. Pat was a gardening master, turning their property into a wildlife haven with no grass to mow! Her four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren were the lucky recipients of her wisdom, love, and strength of character.
Her memory will forever be a source of inspiration and comfort to those who knew her, and her contributions to her family and community will be long remembered. In celebrating Pat’s life, we honor a remarkable woman whose warmth, intellect, and generosity touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Sussex County Habitat For Humanity, sussexcountyhabitat.org/donate/contributions, a nonprofit dear to her heart.
Online condolences may be made by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
