Nancy (Barden, Bowen) Patterson

Nancy Patterson 80, of Ithaca, passed away on Wednesday, September 19th surrounded by her family in Ithaca.  Nancy was born April 11, 1932 in Ithaca to C. Donald and Helen (Russell) Barden.  She married Forrest M Bowen in 1950 they had five children and divorced in 1966. She then married Charles O Patterson in January 2010.

Nancy drove school bus for Ithaca Public Schools for a time then was a dispatcher for the Gratiot County Sheriff Department and worked in the License Bureau for many years.  She also worked for Central Michigan University Public Safety, retiring in 1997.

Nancy was a life member of Ithaca United Methodist Church, which was founded by her great grandmother Russell, by having ice cream socials at her home.  Nancy was an excellent organist and pianist.  She played for the Ithaca Methodist and Presbyterian Churches and numerous weddings and funerals.  She accompanied the choirs at both churches and directed the Bell Choir.  She also accompanied the Ithaca High School Choir, Madrigal, Glee Club and many local musicians all of her life. 

Nancy was a member of the DAR, and The Sweet Adeline’s.  She was an avid reader and book collector.  She and her sister Phyllis loved quilting, making one for each of the grandchildren.  She loved camping at School Section Lake, and all over the state. She loved playing cribbage, mahjong, and all manner of board games with family.

Nancy is survived by her husband Charles.  Her sister in law Lois Barden, her children:  Michael (Beth) Bowen and 14 grandchildren of Snohomish, WA, David (Bonnie) Bowen and 2 grandchildren of Ithaca, Kevin (Mary) Bowen and 1 grandchild of Ithaca, Dan (Lynn) Bowen of Brighton, MI and Sue (Chuck) Harteg and 3 grandchildren of Whitmore Lake, MI.  She is also survived by 11 great grandchildren.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, her sisters: Laura Jean Barden, Phyllis (Robert) Whaley, and Jacqueline (Lyle) Heath, her brothers: Joseph, Charles, and John Barden. 

There will be a celebration of her life on September 29th 2012, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca at 1:PM with Pastor Steve Young officiating, with a luncheon following at the Ithaca Community Center. 

Memorials may be made to Sparrow Home Hospice, the Seventh Day Adventist Community Center, or to the Ithaca Food Pantry.

Comments

[Bill Cobb]

To our neighbor and best of all friends, Dan:
Terri and I are very saddened by the passing of your Mom. From our many discussions about Life, it is evident that you loved her very much and have showed it by the strength of character which you have revealed to us all here in Brighton. May all of your days be filled with pleasant memories of her. Our thoughts and support for you will always be there.
Bill & Terri, Mick, Sam, Jake and Abby !

[Emily (Chalker) Moore]

To Nancy's family - my deepest sympathies. Nancy and I were best friends since kindergarten and have kept in close touch all these years. We often stayed overnight with Nancy when we visited Ithaca and enjoyed our hours of conversation. She had a wonderful positive personality and always answered the phone with a cheery"Good Morning" no matter what time of day it was. We shared many interests - of travel and music - of family and friends - and memories spanning 75 years! The last time I saw Nancy was at our high school reunion in mid-August. She needed help walking from the car to the picnic table, but gamely entered into the conversation and picture taking. I cherish that memory and I salute Nancy for her courage, her love for others and her faith.
Emily (Chalker) Moore
Greenville, IL

[Sheila Farrell]

Dear Ones,
I will miss your mom as so will you. We have the fond memories of her always and I will cherish them. God be with you all in your time of sorrow. Hugs to all the family.

[Cindy Campos]

To the family,
I have worked many years with your Mom through one of her various roles in the community. Nancy has helped and assisted people with disabilites for as long as I can remember. She will never be forgotten - I know this for sure due to a certain person brings up her name often. We talk about how Nancy took her to McDonald's, gave her holiday gifts, mailed her cards and brought her clothing from a local church. Nancy will be missed in the community.
-Cindy Campos

[James and Crystal Styka]

Dave, Bonnie, Katie and Sarah,
James and I are sorry to hear about Grandma Nan's passing. She was always so kind and friendly when we would visit and always made us feel like we were one of her Grandchildren. God bless you all and Grandma Nan.
Love,
James, Crystal and Amelia

[Sharon Shaw]

To All of Nancy's Family,
I've known Nancy for several years through our working relationships, first with the Credit Bureau and with CMU. I have many fond memories of her with so many conversations of her children and grandchildren etc. What a sad time to go through, but remember she is out of her pain and is with the Good Lord. She was one Grand Person and will be very much missed by all.
Love to All Sharon Shaw

[Randi Sheldon]

So sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful person and will be missed.