Patricia Wadzinski, a vice president, associate broker, and global real estate adviser for Sotheby’s International Realty in East Hampton, died at home on Talkhouse Walk in East Hampton on Sunday. The cause was cancer. Ms. Wadzinski was 74.
A native of Green Bay, Wis., Ms. Wadzinski and a friend came to Long Island for a vacation 50 years ago. “Patti fell in love with the area and the ocean and decided to make East Hampton her permanent home,” wrote her sister, Kathy Druecke of Green Bay.
Ms. Wadzinski, known as Patti, was a member of the East Hampton Town Community Housing Advisory Board. At Tuesday’s meeting of the town board, Councilman David Lys remembered “a wonderful lady” who “will be missed not just by myself but by my entire family and many members of the community.”
“I share the wishes of sympathy for her family,” said Councilwoman Cate Rogers. “She was an absolutely wonderful person.”
Patricia Wadzinski was born on June 9, 1949, to Arthur Wadzinski and the former Violet Hahlbeck. She grew up in Green Bay and in Denmark, Wis. Ms. Wadzinski graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She worked as a private duty nurse from 1972 to 1978, before transitioning to the hospitality industry. During her six years working in hospitality, she spent time at a resort on Montauk’s “Motel Row.” Her real estate career began in 1984. She mentored many new real estate agents during her career, Ms. Druecke said.
In her free time, Ms. Wadzinski enjoyed gardening, bicycling, yoga, walking on the beach, and many travel adventures. She worked with the East Hampton Presbyterian Church’s mission group in the Mayabeque Province of Cuba, engaging in person-to-person diplomacy and supporting a clean-water project at its sister church there. Through the church, she also traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to volunteer at the Ngamwanza children’s home and support center, a school for H.I.V.-positive orphans and street children.
In addition to Ms. Druecke, Ms. Wadzinski is survived by her brothers James Wadzinski and Phillip Wadzinski, both of Green Bay, her sister, Cindy Mack of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and her sister-in-law, Michelle Wadzinski of Chicago. A brother, Steven Wadzinski, died before her. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children.
A service will take place at a time and place to be determined. Ms. Wadzinski will be buried at Nicolet Memorial Gardens in Green Bay.
“Patti’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and thanks to her friends and neighbors who offered their prayers and support, along with visits, during her final journey,” the family wrote. “We would also like to recognize the exceptional care and concern from her team of doctors and staff at the Peconic Bay Medical Center for all their endeavors while Patti was in their care.”
Ms. Wadzinski’s family has suggested memorial contributions to the East Hampton Presbyterian Church, where she was a member, 120 Main Street, East Hampton 11937.
