Patricia A Flentye

Patricia Pugh Flentye passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024 in Evanston, IL. She was born March 31, 1924 in Lima, Ohio to Marjorie (Young) and Ray Pugh. She moved with her family to the South Side of Chicago as a young child. Even then she pursued her passion for dance, beginning with ballet and then transitioning to modern dance. Patty graduated from the Isabelle C. O’Keeffe School in 1937. She then went to The University High School of the University of Chicago graduating in 1941. Finally, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a minor in dance from Northwestern University in Evanston in 1946. While at Northwestern, she was also a member of Orchesis, an honorary modern dance society.

Following graduation from Northwestern, Patty pursued her dream of studying dance in New York. She trained in the studios of Charles Weidman, Doris Humphrey, Hanya Holm, and Martha Graham, all pioneers in the development of modern dance. Returning to Chicago, she taught dance at Mrs. Frances Wilson’s studio in Winnetka, the Catholic schools and Mundelein College in Chicago, Barat College in Lake Forest, and finally at Northwestern University. She also worked as a choreographer. Patty was a member of the Chicago Dance Council, including the choreographers’ workshop sponsored by the dance council. She also served as a consultant for the dance series for the Educational Television and Radio Center of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Patty met her future husband, Homer Flentye, at Mrs. Wilson’s studio where he played trumpet in the band for the dancing classes. They married in 1957 and had two children, Laurel and Timothy. Patty and Homer lived in Chicago and then moved to Kenilworth in 1967. They were married for 38 years until his passing in 1995. Patty was also involved in Homer’s real estate business in Chicago, and she continued in it following his death. She was a member of various organizations including: Neighbors of Kenilworth, Kenilworth Historical Society, Kenilworth Club, Kenilworth Union Church, and the Kenilworth Clippers. She was also a Girl Scouts leader.

The Memorial Service is Thursday, September 12 at 1:00p.m. in the Schmidt Chapel at Kenilworth Union Church at 211 Kenilworth Avenue, Kenilworth, IL 60043. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, you can donate to Patty’s love of animals at Paws Chicago: 1997 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 or pawschicago.org.