Geraldine Patterson

Geraldine E. (Gerry) Patterson, formerly of Brooktondale, passed away on January 22 at Oak Hill Manor two weeks before her 98th birthday. Born on February 3, 1919, in Ithaca, NY, Gerry was the youngest of John and Minnie (Mente) Flynn's eight children. In 1938, Gerry married the love of her life, Russell Patterson. While raising their two children, Gerry worked in the cafeteria at Boynton Junior High School and the Cornell Campus Bookstore. She moved on to other work at Cornell, including Married Student Housing and the Department of Architecture, Art, and Planning. After retiring from Cornell, Gerry worked at Patterson Real Estate with her husband, Russell, and her son, Richard, until she was 83 years old. Over the years, she was involved with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and events at the Bethel Grove and Brooktondale Community Centers. In her spare time, Gerry enjoyed cooking, quilting, and other needlework. She was particularly adept and cheerful about canning the immense number of vegetables Russ would bring in from his gardens. During her retirement, she loved to help care for her grandson Stephen's two children, Ruby and Sebastian. Gerry is survived by her son, Richard (Leslie) and daughter, Patricia (Gerald) Herbison, as well as six grandchildren (Gerry, Laurie, Kathy, Patrick, Jen, and Matt), fifteen great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Russell, to whom she was married for 73 years, and grandson, Stephen. Special thanks to her caregivers at Oak Hill Manor, where she enjoyed the music, games, and welcoming new residents. Calling hours for family and friends will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green Street, Ithaca, NY, followed by a service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850; or Gadabout Transportation Services, 737 Willow Ave, Ithaca, NY, 14850.