Dorothy Patterson
Former Butler resident Dorothy Patterson passed away in her Sacramento home Dec. 24 after a brief illness. She was 95 years old.
Dorothy Brandon was born in Connoquenessing Aug. 6, 1922, to Clarence and Lulu Critchlow Brandon.
Dorothy, her mother and brother, Carl, moved to the City of Butler when she finished sixth grade to pursue more opportunities that a larger town could afford during the Depression years.
She was an excellent student, graduating with honors from Butler High School in 1940. After graduation, she obtained a position with local attorney Clyde Shumaker as his legal secretary.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Dorothy had an exciting career in local government as Shumaker was elected district attorney for two terms and elected judge of Butler County in 1951. She was active in the National Secretaries Association and the March of Dimes during these years. Shumaker also introduced Dorothy to his brother-in-law, Technical Sgt. John M. Patterson. The two corresponded for two and a half years while John was stationed with the 381st Bomb Group at Ridgewell, England, and began their courtship after John returned from World War II, marrying Jan. 19, 1952. They were married for 50 years when John passed away in 2002.
Dorothy's career as a legal secretary came to a close when their daughter, Joy, was born in 1956. In 1962, John was transferred by Mathews Conveyer Company to Chico, Calif.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Dorothy raised her daughter and was active in the stitchery club, Chico Republican Women, serving as president in 1967, Chapter QR P.E.O., Ladies Oriental Shrine Ila Neb Court, Chico Elks Ladies and Bidwell Women's Golf Club. Dorothy was also the wedding hostess at Trinity United Methodist Church for over 30 years.
In 1972, Dorothy returned to work and after a brief time at Chico Unified School District, obtained a position as an administrative assistant in the City of Chico's City Manager's Office. Dorothy worked for the city for 14 years, retiring in 1987.
In retirement, Dorothy took up golf again, continued to be active in her organizations and she and John traveled as much as possible.
Besides being active at church, John and Dorothy were active at the Chico Elks Lodge where John served as Exalted Ruler, a trustee and lodge secretary, and with John's Breakfast Lions and Shrine activities. Dorothy continued to be active in these organizations even after John's death in 2002.
In January 2016, Dorothy left her home in Chico and moved to the Château on Capitol Avenue in Sacramento to be closer to her daughter, Joy, and her granddaughter, Amy. At the Château, Dorothy enjoyed making new friends and taking trips with Joy and Amy, including a trip to Hawaii in 2016. Dorothy enjoyed a 95th birthday celebration with family and friends at the Château this past Aug. 6.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Joy Patterson; her granddaughter, Amy McAleer; and numerous nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona and Southern California. She loved you all and enjoyed your notes, calls and learning about your adventures on Facebook.
Dorothy will be remembered as a sweet, caring woman, a gracious hostess and an exceptional secretary. She always had a smile and kind word for a friend or visitor and never complained.
PATTERSON — To honor Dorothy Patterson, who died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2017, memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, at the Château, 2701 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, CA 95816, and at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 285 E. 5th St., Chico, CA 95828.In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy's memory may be made to Trinity United Methodist in Chico or First United Methodist in Sacramento, 2100 J Street, 95816. Mail may be sent to the Château.Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brusiefh.com.
