When anyone saw a work of ceramic art hand built by Patty Weiter, there was a strong urge to touch the curves of her work, so beautiful, so sensual, so evocative was her artwork. But Patty was real and also felt wrath, creating ceramic “anger bombs” to release long pent up emotions. Yet people flocked to Patty for her kindness, her warmth and her unfailing sense of fun!
Patricia Ann Weiter was born on October 28, 1950, in Topeka, Kansas, to Hans and Mary Weiter. Patty graduated from Hayden High School in 1968 and later attended Washburn University, Kansas University and Montana State University. She married Jon Burdsall in 1972 with two wonderful sons from that union, Aaron in 1976 and Matthew in 1978. Patty and Jon later parted company as they each moved in new directions. Patty was uncommonly committed to her family and took annual trips back home to Kansas with several grandchildren in tow.
Patty, always the avid caregiver, finally retired in 2011 after a 35 year career in respiratory therapy. During this time she touched many lives with her kindness, competence and advocacy, making many lifelong friends along the way.
Patty was a loving mother and grandmother, as well as a faithful and generous friend. She was quick to laugh and found joy in daily life. She created beauty and order wherever she went. Her flowers bloomed when those of others were only beginning to open. She was most at peace when creating ceramic art, tending to flowers or creating beautiful poetry. She was active at the Archie Bray Foundation studio for many years and later assisted in the foundation of the Clay Arts Guild in Helena, Montana.
Patty loved to be outdoors and spent many summers camping with her children and grandchildren. She found a spiritual home in the Religious Society of Friends, the Quakers. Patty was very active with Friends until her health made participation difficult. She was valiant in her courage, fighting the cancer that took over her body in the end. But nothing can kill the spirit of such a woman.
Patty is survived by her children Aaron Burdsall (Angie) and Matthew Burdsall (Miranda); her grandchildren Jasmyn, Kaelen, Caleb, Talon, Madden and Marley; Her siblings Janet Puett, Greg Weiter, Chris Weiter (Linda), Mark Weiter, Mary Ellen Weiter, and Kurt (Stephanie) Weiter. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hans and Mary Weiter, and her daughter Sarah Burdsall.
Who of us will ever forget Patty’s kindness, her laughter and her love of beauty? We can never replace Patty but we can honor her memory by creating beauty, warmth, laughter and love wherever we go.