Patricia “Patti” P. Hamlin, 82, of Eustis, FL, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Patti was born and raised in Orlando. She was just 13 months older than her brother, Sidney, and the two were very close. Since she was not able to travel during her last few years, Sidney and his wife, Nancy, would make the trip from Georgia to Eustis often. His visits were a highlight for her, and she always looked forward to the next one.
She was raised in a multi-generational home which included her grandmother, Hattie Dean, who was affectionately known as Mumsie. Patti was active in dance during much of her youth which included ballet, tap and acrobatics. She also participated in Girl Scouts. She had a short modeling stint and at the age of 16 graced the cover of The Corner Cupboard Magazine. She was a graduate of Edgewater High School and Florida State University earning a Bachelor of Social Work. She was also a long-time member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and supporter of their thrift shop.
While raising her children, she often hosted large family gatherings. She was known for her rum cakes and sweet potato souffle. She insisted there could never be too much rum in either one of them. She also made some of the best chicken salad which has never been duplicated. There must be a secret ingredient in there somewhere!
Patti had a lengthy career as a social worker and was employed by the State of Florida and Hospice. She made lifelong friends through work and the group enjoyed monthly lunches which continued through retirement. She also enjoyed spending time with her best friend, Nancy Ball. The two enjoyed wining and dining and lots of laughs.
She loved the color purple, flowers, plants, and jewelry. Her favorite plant was the bromeliad. She had a sweet tooth as well and was a connoisseur of cheesecake and flan. She was not much for watching TV but loved to listen to music especially jazz. She enjoyed collecting depression glass and would frequently attend the local glass shows.
She was never punctual and the scheduled time of anything was merely a suggestion for her. We often joked that she would be late for her own funeral. I think in some ways she is. She survived much longer than anticipated given the cancer and Parkinson’s that she suffered.
Patti was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney James Parrott and Luray Parrott, and her husband, Verdual W. Hamlin, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Lacy of Plano, TX and Carolyn (Andrew) Yates of Osprey, FL; her stepdaughter, Susan Salazar of Eustis, FL; her stepson, William D. “Billy” Hamlin of Clermont, FL; and her grandchildren, Wesley Salazar, Jessica Salazar, Tyler Hamlin, Patrick Lacy, Joshua Hamlin, Nathan Yates, Megan Hamlin, and Lindsay Yates; and great-granddaughter, Roo Salazar.
Patti was a long time member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Eustis. A graveside service will be held in Pine Forest Cemetery, Mount Dora at 11 am Saturday, May 6 with Father Matthew Perreault of St. Thomas Church officiating.
