07/10/2017
It is with a heavy heart that Jenn’s House mourns the passing of Co-founder, Patricia Dillman. Pat left us on Monday, June 10 after battling mediastinal liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer, for more than two years. Pat was a very special and caring woman who always saw the brighter side of humanity. She led by example, serving as a nurse for over 40 years. During this time she shared her deep Christian belief through teaching Sunday school and for the last 12 years she served as Director of Christian Education.
Knowing and befriending Pat was a true honor. She was often the voice of calmness in a chaotic setting and the voice of reason when you thought there were no options. In the darkest hours of her family’s tragic loss, she became an ambassador for others—those in need of a kind gesture or a word of encouragement. Thus began the quest for the hospitality house we now know as Jenn’s House. Both Pat and her husband Richard never questioned if Jenn’s House would become reality. They fought, against odds, through many obstacles and road blocks put in their way—the process was never easy. In their pursuit, victory was finally won and the first Jenn’s House opened on Cedar Crest Boulevard in 2000. A second Jenn’s House was opened in 2010 in Fountain Hill.
If you get a chance to tour one of the Jenn’s Houses you’ll notice the amount of love and care that went into the embellishments. Pat designed the homes as a comfort for those needing a calm and uplifting environment. Throughout both homes, the walls reflect positive affirmations that bring contemplative counseling to family members needing inspiration or hope.
In one of my last conversations with Pat, I was not surprised that she was more concerned about those she would leave behind. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she was concerned about her treasured families ability to navigate once she was gone.
To Pat’s husband, Richard, and her son, Brian and wife, Angie, I express my deepest sympathy on the loss of this generous and caring woman. I know she will be watching over you with a special eye on her five beloved grandchildren.
I know my world will always be a bit darker knowing Pat is no longer in it. Although her light no longer shines in this world, it has left a warmth that has touched hundreds of lives. The light now shines in another world—one that we will share with her again someday.
Contributions may be made to St. John's U.C.C., 139 North 4th St., Emmaus, PA 18049 or to Jenn's House, Inc., 3250 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Emmaus, PA 18049. If you cannot make a donation, please honor Pat by paying a kindness forward—Pat would have liked that.
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Greg Onjack,
Founding board member
Jenn's House
