Sheila M. Patterson's Obituary
Sheila McDermott Patterson died on November 14, 2015 in Ridgewood, New Jersey while visiting family in the Northeast. She is survived by her children Elizabeth Patterson Finn and husband, Timothy Finn, Jill Patterson McAuliffe and husband, Paul McAuliffe and John Keenan Patterson and wife, Alice Meadows, as well as nine grandchildren, Paul and John Finn, Sean, Katherine, Matthew and Keenan McAuliffe and Sarah, Jack and Claire Patterson, her dear brother-in-law Edward Lekawa, and numerous well-loved cousins, nieces and nephews. In death she will be joining her husband, Lt. Col John F. Patterson, parents Francis X. McDermott and Sarah Cavanaugh McDermott, her sister Elizabeth Claire McDermott Lekawa and brother Martin McDermott. Sheila was born in Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania on January 1, 1934. She attended St. Francis College later transferring to and graduating from Kent State with a degree in English. She loved teaching, particularly high school students and especially enjoyed her time at Brush High School in Lyndhurst, Ohio. After marrying in 1960, she continued teaching and tutoring GIs and high school students at various posts around the country and in Germany. After returning to the states and John’s retirement, the family spent several happy years in Richmond, Virginia where they made many wonderful lasting friendships. In 1980, they moved to Richardson, Texas where they settled into the community and Sheila, a lifelong, accomplished bridge player, found many treasured friends through her various bridge groups and tournaments. A Life Master, she played regularly and passionately with these friends for the next thirty-five years. Family was of the utmost importance to Sheila. Sharing stories to connect her grandchildren and children with their history was a regular dinnertime event that all knew, appreciated and joined in. Sheila was a truly beloved wife and mother, a greatly adored grandmother and an unwavering friend. Her wisdom and humor will be deeply missed by both friends and family. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm in Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home on Thursday, November 19th. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 12:00 pm on Friday, November 20th at St. Mark Catholic Church in Plano. Reception to follow at the Richardson’s Women’s Club. Gifts in the memory of Sheila Patterson may be sent to The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes who taught at St. Mary’s Parochial School, Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania. The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes 320 County Road K Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 54937
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