Elizabeth Patrick Dewey

Buffy was born on September 27, 1939, in Evanston, Illinois to Harold Ian and Mary Wells (Noyes) Patrick. A longtime resident of Westmoreland, New Hampshire, where she resided until her death, she grew up in Winnetka, Illinois but also spent considerable time in Dundee, Illinois at the family farm and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she had strong family ties. On May 15, 1971, Buffy married William Farnham Dewey Jr. Together, they had three sons, Ian, Stephen, and Graham.

After graduating from Iowa State University, Buffy joined the Peace Corps in 1964. While her years of service in Pakistan and Turkey would profoundly shape her life, Buffy also forged enduring friendships throughout this experience that would serve as a lifelong source of joy and support.

Upon returning home to the States, Buffy worked as a social worker in Western Massachusetts. Here, she met her husband, Bill. After living in South Hampton, Massachusetts, they settled in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, where they raised their children. During this time, Buffy became an educational advocate, working tirelessly to help countless others navigate the complexities of learning challenges. She was also an avid lover and fierce defender of animals, sharing her home with many dogs, cats, and other critters. Buffy never turned away an animal in need.

Buffy will be greatly missed by many, especially her children, Ian Dewey (Christy), of Westmoreland, NH; Stephen Dewey (Jennifer), of Chatham, MA; Graham Dewey (Patty), of Portland, OR; stepchildren, William Farnham Dewey III (Joyce), of Shelton, WA, Cindy Tillson (Richard), of Haddam, CT; her grandchildren, Kylee, Mya, Ella, Madison, Hailey, Genevieve, and Elizabeth; and sister Patricia Forrest of Kent, WA, as well as many nieces and nephews. Buffy was predeceased by her husband and sister, Diana McTigue (Emmett) of Fort Lauderdale, FL.

A service and burial will be held in Great Barrington, MA on June 7, 2025.

Donations may be made in Buffy’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (danafarber.jimmyfund.org), the American Civil Liberties Union (https://www.aclu.org/action), and Draft Gratitude Draft Horse Rescue (https://www.draftgratitude.com/).