It’s with heavy hearts that we share that Susan Patterson left this earth on May 15, 2025 quickly and peacefully with loved ones by her side.
Susan was born in Detroit, Michigan on Feb. 5, 1936 to Sherod Blanchard Scott and Louise Pike Scott. An adored only child, she proceeded to make her beloved first cousins and closest friends her honorary siblings.
Susan lived for long chats on the phone and reveled in the happy news of others. She was everyone’s most enthusiastic cheerleader and her affection knew no bounds as evidenced by her extra long voicemails and copious hand written notes.
She met the love of her life, Howard Patterson, by purposely running into him with her bicycle in the Smith College quad, unapologetically explaining that he was by far the cutest one out there. This auspicious beginning led to 57 years of marriage, a devotion that remained strong through life events both joyful and challenging.
Howie and Susan settled in Darien in 1961. For 64 years Susan lived in four homes within six miles of one another. She loved the intimacy of small town life and considered her favorite store owners to be her close friends.
She had a staggeringly vast network of connections: Linden Avenue, Walmsley Road, Oak Crest, Sellecks Woods, Big Wolf Lake, Grosse Pointe Farms, Bronxville New York, Kent School, Williams College and of course Smith College. For the past few years she “ZOOMED” every three months with eight of her formeer housemates from Martha Wilson House at Smith College, always eagerly awaiting the next one.
Susan’s children and grandchildren and their spouses were her pride and joy. There was nothing she would not do for them. Left to miss her are Sarah Beltran (Rob), Susan Mullen (Geoff), Stephen Patterson (Sue) and her five grandchildren: Anna Camacho (Julian), Laura Nadolny (Pat), Alex Beltran (Heather), Eleanor Beltran and Peter Mullen. Her husband, Howie, and son, Scott, went before her to pave the way, and we are envisioning a joyous reunion.
We would like to thank Cherry, her wonderful companion of many years, and also the excellent care and affection she received from the staff at The Residence at Sellecks Woods for the past three years. We will miss Mom’s sparkle, but will do our best to follow her lead and live our lives with an abundance of kindness for all.
A celebration of life will be planned for early fall.
In lieu of flowers donations to Person-to-Person in Susan’s honor would be welcome: Person-to-Person, 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820.
— an obituary from Lawrence Funeral Home, where online condolences may be left