Patricia (Patti) Green, a member of the strategic engagement team in Medical & Healthcare Advancement, Dartmouth Health/Geisel School of Medicine (MHA), died peacefully on Thursday, October 5, after a brief illness.
Green, a program coordinator, left an indelible mark on the MHA community through her unwavering dedication, creative spirit, and meticulous attention to detail, in both her personal and professional relationships.
“Her warmth and kindness extended far beyond the workplace,” said senior creative manager Farah Doyle, and friend, with whom Green worked closely. “She was a gifted jewelry designer and an extraordinary baker. Known for her thoughtfulness, generosity, and sense of humor, Patti was also a passionate advocate for personal connections and meaningful conversations.”
Those conversations, Doyle said, often developed into delightful and heartfelt exchanges encompassing a wide variety of subjects. She reveled in the simple moments of comradery and warmth that make friendships deeply special.
Prior to joining MHA, Green worked as an administrative assistant in the Studio Art department at Dartmouth. An artist herself, she enjoyed lively conversations with both art students and faculty about their work. While there, she assisted the department chair in organizing a variety of projects and receptions, including a successful open house to share the department’s work with the Upper Valley community.
“I had the great pleasure of working with Patti—I appreciated her intelligence, curiosity, and ability to take on any project with aplomb—she was witty, generous, and working with her was fun,” said Gerald Auten, director, Studio Art Exhibition Program. “Sadly, she needed more than a part-time position and moved on after a brief tenure with us, but we continued getting together for lunch every so often. She will be missed.”
Along with her MHA colleague, Kristen Ash Gerry, associate director, events, the duo planned numerous medical school and hospital receptions and functions—alumni reunions, professorship dinners, and staff get-togethers, including the highly anticipated annual holiday festivities. Their signature style of casual sophistication extended to major, well received donor events, such as groundbreaking and opening celebrations for the Williamson Translational Research Building in 2015 and the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in 2017 and, in 2018, the 125th anniversary of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
“We had so much fun together because of our symbiotic relationship,” Gerry recalled, “from our signature style to our commitment to sustainability and working with local businesses.”
When the Covid-19 pandemic prevented in-person events, Gerry and Green’s focus shifted. Green became more involved with MHA’s creative services and communications team. Her exceptional eye for detail, and her thoughtful design approach made her an integral part of that team, where she developed an intuitive, easy-to-use style guide for MHA and was involved in the Dartmouth Health rebranding process. She also managed the design and production of holiday cards for Dartmouth Health president and CEO, Joanne Conroy, MD and Geisel dean Duane Compton, PhD.
“Her creative and strategic thinking served as an inspiration to me and her colleagues,” Doyle said. “She touched my life in so many ways and for that I am truly grateful.”
Lauren Seidman, formerly a senior advancement writer in MHA and now a senior science writer for Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, described Green as a friend you could count on “for a listening ear, a laugh during trying times (or anytime!), a co-conspirator, a fresh perspective, a compelling story, and, of course, amazing baked goods. She regularly baked brownies and cookies for me and my family because she enjoyed it, and because that's who Patti was—generous, thoughtful, and loving.”
Jen Durgin, another former colleague and friend of Green, recalled, “One holiday season several years ago, Patti designed and made earrings for her close coworkers, tailoring the designs to each person's style. She valued compassion and generosity in others—and she shared her own with those whom she cared about. She did not suffer fools gladly, but perhaps only her close friends and family knew that. While she may have appeared to be quiet and modest, those who got to know Patti soon discovered she was funny, creative, and willing to talk about almost anything. I miss her.”
Gifts in memory of Patti can be made to the Upper Valley Haven, an organization close to her heart. Use this link to contribute: https://uppervalleyhaven.org/ patti-green/
