Patti died on Monday following open heart surgery last week to repair a torn aorta. She never regained consciousness.

She was 77 years old, but she packed a lot into those years.

Patti was the driving force behind The Entertainers since 1993 and her passion for music has helped raise more than half a million dollars from for local community organisations.

She dedicated every spare hour of her life to her community, whether through The Entertainers, by volunteering at the Community Resource Centre or helping with school musicals.

While most people in their late 70s are retired, Patti was working full time directing The Entertainers, volunteering with her church and volunteering for two full days a week at the Community Resource Centre.

She even recently completed training with the ATO to assist people with their tax returns.

“Most people wouldn’t know about her work with the Community Resource Centre, as most people don’t need to use those services,” said friend, and fellow Entertainer, Matt Dell. 

“It was not something she did for praise or spotlight.

“She hated being the centre of attention, and even in The Entertainers at the end of the show, we had to drag her on stage to accept her flowers and our thanks,” he said. 

Patti was the recipient of many community awards over the years, including a Paul Harris Fellowship with Rotary, and an Australia Day award.  

She had also been recently nominated as a Shoalhaven Superhero for her many contributions to the community. 

Members of the community were devastated by the loss of Patti, and  have been paying tribute to her on social media. 

Musician Diana Black described Patti as a "wonderful gracious lady who kept music alive in our community and inspired and fostered the talent in so so many".

Lygiah Fowler said Patti was an "absolute beacon of light and creativity for so many."

"Patti fostered and encouraged us to grow from nervous, young musicians into confident, passionate performers," she said.

"She taught us the value and significance of fundraising and the dignity of remaining humble but above all you truly showed us that anything is possible."

Andrew Edmunds said Patti was a "superstar" and the time and effort she put into mentoring young singers, dancers and musicians for the good of the community was "phenomenal".

Patti’s son Gary has praised the work of the young care team that stayed with Patti before and after her surgery at RPA Hospital.

The funeral will be at the Ulladulla Civic Centre on Monday, starting at 11am.