Mildred S Patterson's Obituary
Mildred Swearengen Patterson, 82, of Richardson, Texas, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Mildred was born on October 4, 1940, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin to Martha and Carroll Swearengen. She grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and often regaled her Texas family and friends with tales of a snowy childhood in the Badger State. Having family in Monroe City, Missouri and a legacy of Stephens College alumnae, Mildred received her AA from Stephens in 1960, where she met Joe Patterson. She and Joe were married on July 9, 1960, in Monroe City. Their first home was in Mexico, Missouri where their oldest son was born. Soon after, they headed south to Texas and settled in the house where they would raise their two sons and call home for the next 61 years. She and Joe have enjoyed countless bridge games and gatherings in their home.
Mildred loved people and was an active member of several organizations throughout her life. She enthusiastically promoted her beloved Stephens College and served on their Alumnae Board for many years, receiving the Alumnae Service Award in 2010. She also served the Dallas Stephens Alumnae Club as president and treasurer. Mildred was devoted to seeing young women pursue an education.
A genuine lifelong learner, Mildred had a zest for travel. She was always surrounded with stacks of books (that she actually read) and enjoyed experiencing new places. She and Joe enjoyed traveling across the US and around the world. As a member of the Richardson Women’s Club, she especially loved the Traveling Ladies of RWC and enjoyed many memorable trips with them.
Mildred was a member of PEO and served her local chapters in various capacities. She was chapter president, chaired several different committees, and sang in the PEO chorus.
Mildred loved to host showers and luncheons for her various organizations. She could set a beautiful table, and she truly enjoyed the process. An avid antiques collector, Mildred was especially fond of Shelley China and eventually became an Antique Dealer of Shelley China.
Mildred was a member of First Baptist Church Richardson and served in the children’s ministry and women’s ministry. She and Joe loved their Sunday School class. She also enjoyed singing in the church choir and with the Goldenaires.
Mildred was devoted to family and friends. She delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a faithful correspondent; if she had your address, you could expect birthday and holiday cards from her.
Mildred is survived by her husband of over 62 years, Joe, two sons: Randy Patterson (Tammi), and Brad Patterson, four grandchildren: Meghann Trottier (Matthew), Tyler Patterson, Delaney Patterson, and Gillian Patterson, and three great-grandchildren: Walter, Wyatt, and William. She is also survived by her beloved brother Jim Swearengen (Linda), niece Kate Swearengen (John Keating), and great-nephew Daniel.
A memorial service will be held at Restland Funeral Home on May 22 at 2 pm with visitation from noon to 2. Interment will follow on May 26 in Monroe City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mildred’s honor to First Baptist Church Richardson or to a Stephens College Scholarship fund that has been established in her memory by the Dallas Alumnae Club.
Scholarship donations may be made to Stephens College Alumnae Club of Dallas in care of Susie Morrisey, Treasurer, 4320 Hallmark Drive, Dallas, 75229. Please write Mildred Patterson Scholarship Fund in the memo line.
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