Words always feel so inadequate when I try to express what someone means to me. So, forgive this feeble attempt.

I’m writing to the editor today about the life of a pillar of Cortez, Patsy Brown, who passed away on February 13 (Journal, Feb. 26). Patsy was many things to many people. She was a teacher, friend, leader, occasional opponent and advocate for cultural tolerance, locally grown journalism and education.

Being new to Patsy’s world, I never knew her during her prime, but I was incredibly fortunate to work with her over the last 20 months. Through knowing Patsy during this brief time, I glimpsed some of the impact she had on this community and its visitors from around the world.

Patsy was selflessly dedicated to the Cultural Center volunteers, to her students and to her numerous friends and family. Even when her health was poor, and just the basic daily activities were a struggle, she would put others’ needs above her own. I think feeling useless or unable to help others was far more intolerable to her than any physical discomfort she experienced.

Patsy’s dedication to this community, and her drive to be of service to it, is inspirational. Communities become great through individual selfless acts of service.

Even though she is gone from this physical realm, her legacy lives on through the many volunteers, friends and family who were, and are, equally as loyal and dedicated to her as she was to them.

Rebecca Levy, Executive Director Cortez Cultural Center

Cortez