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.