Joan Patterson

Joan Patterson, 78, of Richmond, died Nov. 19 at South County Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Nelsonville, Ohio on April 26, 1933, daughter of Nellie and Joseph King. In 1956 she earned a bachelor of science degree in medical technology from Ohio State University and married Thomas Patterson. Joan received her master’s degree in library science from URI in 1973 and worked as a librarian until her retirement in 1995 from the East Greenwich school system. Joan and Tom were among the founders of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County. Joan was an active member, serving as president and member of the board of directors. She was also a voracious reader, an accomplished quilter, and a lover of crossword puzzles. She and Tom traveled extensively. Survivors in addition to her husband include her daughter Janet Patterson of Petaluma, California, son Ted Patterson of South Kingstown, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Faye Patterson of Ohio. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County (UUCSC), 27 North Rd., Peace Dale, RI 02879. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UUCSC.