Mary Patterson

Mary Camilla Ide Patterson (76) peacefully returned home to her Savior, surrounded by family, on January 30, 2024, in Pflugerville, TX.

Born February 21, 1947, in Oakland, CA to Charles Eugene and Maleta Foster Ide, Mary was welcomed by four brothers (Charles, Clifford, Laurence, and William) and a sister (Maleta). Two younger sisters (Averill and Gioia) blessed the family in 1948 and 1951.

Mary grew up in Oakland, CA, Phoenix, AZ, Salt Lake City, UT and Arcadia, CA. As an adult, she lived in Sacramento, CA; Clearwater, KS; Florence, OR; Sheridan WY; Elgin TX and Round Rock, TX. She was married to William Raymond Patterson from 1972 until 1989 and had three children: John, Krista, and Michael.

Talented in music and the arts, Mary was exceptional at the piano, organ, drums, and accordion. Her first foray into art was painting herself and the next-door neighbor boy with oil-based paint. She started drawing portraits as a teenager and drew photorealistic portraits of her family members and other interesting subjects all her life. A skillful crafter, Mary loved creating pinecone wreaths to give to friends and loved ones. She was an eloquent writer, a beautiful poet, and a fabulous storyteller. Family and friends treasured frequent handwritten letters and thoughtful cards. She always wrote just the right thing. She was an avid reader, especially of history books and the Bible. When reading books to her children and grandchildren, she delighted in acting out the voices and changing the words to make the story more fun.

Mary loved her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; she would share her devotion with everyone. With the Lord’s help and her amazing strength, Mary battled melanoma, depression, anxiety, alcoholism, grief, breast cancer, and finally Alzheimer’s disease. She always gave the credit for her success to her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mary brought joy to all who knew her. She was funny and filled our lives with laughter, silliness, and hilarious stories, often happily embellished for added effect. She was known for her charming forgetfulness, often misplacing her glasses atop her head, her coffee in the microwave, and her purse or car keys just about anywhere!

Mary had an abundance of love and shared it freely. She loved her parents deeply and cared for them as they aged and developed Alzheimer’s disease. She loved her brothers and sisters and rejoiced in her memories and friendships with them. Mary loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren ferociously, showering them with love, praise, and encouragement. She offered advice, spirituality, and a listening ear. She was excited to hear about their lives, adventures, and unique personalities.

Mary loved animals and had many pets throughout the years: dogs, cats, rabbits, and a monkey; she even raised a baby lamb when she was a little girl. She fed, rescued and nurtured stray and injured cats for most of her adult life. Not only did Mary help animals, but she cared about and gave to the needy and strangers, even when she had very little money. She made people feel included and befriended everyone; she touched their lives. Mary was a remarkable soul with compassion and kindness. She loved fiercely and worried about and prayed for everyone.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, and her older sister.

Mary is survived in death by her 3 children, John (Dawn) of Round Rock, TX; Krista (Scott) of Sheridan, WY; and Michael (Lauren) of Elgin, TX; 18 grandchildren (Mandy, Trent, Joseph, Loralee, Cora, Alyssa, Cody, Trevor, Bailey, Afton, Cole, Brynn, Tate, Tess, Zach, Alex, Mycki, and Brea) and 12 great-grandchildren with another on the way; and her sisters, Averill of Springfield, OR and Gioia (Ivan) of Curtin, OR.