Barbara Jean (Shortt) Patterson

Barbara Jean Patterson (nee Shortt) told family members how wonderful her life had been before finally letting go of that life on her 83rd birthday, June 14, 2017. Born in 1934 in Rochester, NY, she transplanted herself in Washington, DC, at the age of 18, a city she came to love and share eagerly with out-of-town visitors at every opportunity. Favorite stops included the monuments, the Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, the zoo and the carousel on the mall. From working her first Washington job for the CIA to retiring as a real-estate agent, to traveling the world and eventually to counting children and grandchildren and great grandchildren across four countries and three continents, “Little Barbara Jean” created the interesting life she craved. She was an avid reader and lifelong learner whose intellect and curiosity were rivaled only by her humor, beauty and strength. As quick with a quip as an act of kindness, she was known for her sharp wit and charitable heart. Involvement with PEO and the Women’s Health Initiative brought her great fulfillment and treasured friends. A big fan of the PBS, BBC and Jeopardy TV game show who also loved 40s and 50s music and old movies, Barbara took great delight in sharing these joys with her children and grandchildren. Much to the chagrin of her ever-hopeful grandchildren, she paired with her husband to beat (almost) all opponents in Trivial Pursuit. In many ways, Barbara and Bill were an unbeatable pair. Kids and grandkids remember her unwavering love and constant presence, even from a long distance; baking and sewing lessons; passion for sharing old movies with younger generations; tasty crab “piles” and angel food cake; frequent library visits; grammar, manners and posture policing; countless cards and postcards “just because”, and copious care-packages sent all over the world. She was a known and beloved regular at her local post-office, library, thrift store, and any good sale in the vicinity, especially on Senior Discount Day. Among her greatest treasures are her beloved husband of almost 60 years, William Lowell Patterson, who loved and cared for his “beautiful bride,” her four children, nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, a sister, two brothers and countless family and friends who enriched her life. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by those she adored. Barbara’s Global Family: Maryland, USA Husband: William Lowell Patterson Daughter: Nancy Patterson Granddaughter and Spouse: Chuck and Sydney Knower Great Grandson: Callan Hayes Knower Gurue, Mozambique Daughter and Son-in-Law: Stuart and Sindia Foster Sydney, Australia Daughter and Son-in-Law: Phil and Cathy Killen Granddaughter and Spouse: Michael and Annabel Castledine Grandson: James Killen Vancouver, Canada Son and Daughter-in-Law: Scott and Alison Patterson Grandson: Nick Patterson Granddaughter: Grace Patterson Massachusetts, USA Granddaughter and Spouse: Tayeb Karim and Cara Foster-Karim Great Grandson: Peregrin Reza Foster-Karim Illinois, USA Grandson: Luke Foster New York, USA Granddaughter: Rian Kirchhoff Sister: Madeleine Shortt Brother and Spouse: Rob and Nancy Shortt Brother and Spouse: Roy and Edie Shortt One beloved granddaughter, Belva Joy Foster, predeceased her grandmother in 1994. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at the Historic Savage Mill Manor House, 8502 Fair Street, Savage, MD 20763 on Monday, June 26th, from noon to 3pm. Please come prepared to share fond remembrances with friends and family as we gather together in her honor. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a favorite charity in her name. Attachments area