Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Claire Patterson
1923 - 2019
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Pete Quackenbush posted a condolence
Monday, April 8, 2019
How truly blessed you have been to have been to have been together this long. You were truly a great educator. My condolence to you and your family .
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Edwin Boyer posted a condolence
Friday, April 5, 2019
Mr. Patterson:
There is no way you could remember me, but I was in your 8th grade shop class at Ridgedale School in 1965 .... and to this day I have fond memories of you and that class! I was so saddened read of your loss. My thought and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
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Margaret (Peggy) Backer Walk posted a condolence
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Mr. Patterson. I was sorry to hear about your wife. You had a long time together. Condolences from all the Backers.
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Trish Conklin Barbosa posted a condolence
Sunday, March 31, 2019
I grew up at Cedar Lake and remember Mrs. Patterson so well! When I was about 8 years old, my friend and I went door-to-door selling Girl Scout cookies for the first time. We were trained NEVER to enter anyone's home - we were told to stand outside the door ONLY while people wrote their cookie orders on our form.
We arrived on the Pattersons' doorstep and Mrs. Patterson said she'd love to buy cookies. She invited us in while she wrote out her order. My friend went in but I refused. I told her that as a Girl Scout I was not allowed to come into the house. Mrs. Patterson smiled and understood, but I was afraid that I hurt her feelings by not accepting her invitation to go inside. She looked a little disappointed and I felt bad about that.
The next year, I was back on the Pattersons' doorstep, this time selling flower and vegetable seeds. No Girl Scouts were involved and this time I was prepared to happily accept Mrs. Patterson's invitation to come inside! I couldn't wait to get to her house so I could smooth out whatever feathers I might have ruffled during my first stop a year earlier.
Mrs. Patterson opened the door and gave me a big smile. She said she remembered me! She said she'd love to buy some seeds. I returned her smile and waited for her to invite me in...but instead, she said, "I remember you told me you are not allowed to come inside, so wait right there!!! I'll have my order out to you in a minute!!"
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Nancy Witte posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
I remember Mrs. Patterson as a caring mom and a great friend. I'll miss seeing her along with Mr. Patterson, sitting outside the house enjoying everything around them.
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Pat Cook posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Henry,
Reading through the condolences confirms my thoughts on what an impact Claire and you have had on other peoples' lives. Claire had a forceful charm about her. She was a woman who shared her many gifts with others. I can appreciate the enthusiasm she had for children. You were a couple who radiated so much joy and devotion to each other - so admirable. May family, friends and memories bring you comfort. You will be in my thoughts in the days ahead.
Pat Cook
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Deborah and Robert Weber (Jack Ives sister) posted a condolence
Sunday, March 10, 2019
We are so sorry to hear about Claire's passing. Wow to live to be 95 and to have family close is such a blessing. Our prayers are with the family and friends she left behind. I'm sure Richard is up there with open arms.
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Bob, Pat, Deb, and Dave Whitacre posted a condolence
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Claire's favorite song was "I'll be loving you, Always." It was written by Irving Berlin to his wife, but Claire expanded her love to family, friends, and the whole natural world. We are among the Florham Parkers who were touched by the love and thoughtfulness of both Pattersons. Judging by the tributes of others, we are all left with a host of memories of Claire. A goal for all of us is to leave the world a better place for our having been here. Claire spent 95 years working toward that goal. Mission accomplished!
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Jack Ives posted a condolence
Saturday, March 9, 2019
I first met Claire and Henry (and the remainder of the family for the first time) at Henry's mom's 100 birthday celebration. Upon marrying their niece Marie Zieger, I was now part of the extended family. Aunt Claire and Uncle Henry have been great role models for me. They were always interested in learning more about so many things. Each time I visited their lake house, there were library books and magazines on all the tables ... but more than that was her (their) interests in continuing to learn so many more things and sharing them with us along with stories and adventures of their lives. They just did not settle into an older age but continued to want to read, listen and learn more. May I use their journey as my own and not just settle but push to experience more. Aunt Claire is greatly missed by me and I am glad I had the opportunity to sit and hold her hand for quite a while when she was in Hospice care. May she be at peace and be with her family who proceeded her, especially her sister and brothers.
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Marie Zieger posted a condolence
Saturday, March 9, 2019
I have so much gratitude and appreciation for all the many moments I have shared with my dear Aunt Claire.
She was and will continue to be a great source of inspiration, admiration and love . So many memories...
As a child... the swims, hikes in the woods, canoe rides on the lake and lots of laughter!!
As a young adult ...home cooked dinners delivered when I was ill; great big gingerbread boy to celebrate my 35th birthday; showing up to help clean my apartment when it was time for me to move; celebrating all occasions that were important to me and always reminding me to be happy.
As an older adult....many cards and letters of support; beautiful books like "A gift from the sea" that continue to be sources of wisdom; regular phone calls and a welcoming place to visit whenever I wanted.
She was adored by her younger brother Richard (my Dad). He would always say " My sister is the most compassionate and generous woman I know" He loved spending time with her and Uncle Henry. They had a sibling bond that was filled with mutual admiration, respect and plenty of jokes and story telling. Many hours were spent with family sitting around at the lake house just really enjoying each others company.
It has been a real privilege to be her niece. I join hands and heart with the rest of her family as we celebrate her life.
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Bruce and Sandra Patterson posted a condolence
Saturday, March 9, 2019
As we grow older, we remember the special people who have left indelible marks on our lives. Claire Patterson was one of those people. Although Sandy and I are not related to this branch of the Patterson clan, Henry and Claire always treated us as family. We will always treasure the time spent with Claire at the Lake and later at the Oaks. I know it was hard for Claire to leave Cedar Lake, her home for so many decades, but it is even harder to think of the Lake without her. May she rest in peace.
Sandy and Bruce Patterson
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Marie Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Richard & Susan Holford posted a condolence
Friday, March 8, 2019
We will always remember Claire as a gift sent to us. She was to us a light that was always on with her caring, warmth, and calm and loving nature. Her devotion to Hank, her family, and those of us lucky enough to be a part of that community of love is an honor we will always treasure. She was an intelligent woman, and a playful one also, as shown in this memory we shall always cherish. In the early years of our grand children’s lives, we would walk with the stroller past #33 Cedar Lake West where Claire kept a wand and bubble solution next to the window to entertain them. As we approached, Claire would inevitably be watching and both granddaughters would look up to see if the window was open – hopefully to bring forth glorious colored bubbles, as it so often did. Thank you dear Claire for having the joy within you to do this. We were honored to call you a dear friend and hope you felt that love all around you.
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Craig and Pat Walker posted a condolence
Friday, March 8, 2019
We are so sad to hear of Claire’s passing. What a wonderful long life she had—a true love story of a marriage with two devoted sons and loving grandchildren.
May you find peace from all your memories.
Craig and Pat Walker
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The family of Claire Patterson uploaded a photo
Friday, March 8, 2019
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Sharon Norlander posted a condolence
Friday, March 8, 2019
I have strong memories where I imagine my aunt Claire sitting by the lake with my Uncle Henry, or walking to the lake with Aunt Claire to go for a swim. I imagine her sitting on the rock writing to Henry across the ocean. I think of her playing with children on the front porch.
I imagine her in the kitchen just before Thanksgiving meals… when our family would arrive and I’d have to kiss so many people…I couldn’t figure out how they were related to me!
I think of Claire doing word finds and reading “Prevention magazine.” I have memories of the countless times she blew bubbles with me on the beach. I have memories of several picnics in the Gorge on my days off from Camp Beisler.
I think of her each time I use paper plates: I was surprised to see paper plates on the table; she was so conscientious about conservation and the environment. She said: My time is worth something! It didn’t take me long before I understood.
I think of the poetry books she gave me through the years that were an inspiration in high school and college and I think of all the cards she sent through the years on paper with a watermark of leaves or trees. Sometimes her cards had pictures of Cedar Lake or Old Barney from Long Beach Island.
As a child, I loved all of the poems and songs that she could recite or sing. She gave me many of her resources from pre- school that were a life saver when I was teaching the Hmong pre-schoolers! Sometimes the songs on records she gave me pop in my head and it will take days before I am able to forget.
She was an amazing woman and I give thanks for the many ways she touched my life through the years.
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Sandra Wilson posted a condolence
Friday, March 8, 2019
We are thinking of you all, especially Henry. We have wonderful memories of sharing Christmas dessert with Claire and Henry while my parents were visiting. Also great times at Miller’s camp. Henry, you and Claire have an inspiring love story. May we all be so lucky.
Sandra and Douglas Wilson ❤️
When I have moved beyond you in the adventure of life,
Gather in some pleasant place and there remember me
With spoken words, old and new.
Let a tear if you will, but let a smile come quickly
For I have loved the laughter of life.
Do not linger too long with your solemnities.
Go eat and talk, and when you can;
Follow a woodland trail, climb a high mountain,
Walk along the wild seashore,
Chew the thoughts of some book
Which challenges your soul.
Use your hands some bright day
To make a thing of beauty
Or to lift someone’s heavy load.
Though you mention not my name,
Though no thought of me crosses your mind,
I shall be with you,
For these have been the realities of my life for me.
And when you face some crisis with anguish.
When you walk alone with courage,
When you choose your path of right,
I shall be very close to you.
I have followed the valleys,
I have climbed the heights of life.
By Arnold Crompton
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Sandra Wilson lit a candle
Friday, March 8, 2019
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Robin and Trent Coletta posted a condolence
Friday, March 8, 2019
Henry
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Memories of Claire (and you) visiting Maine and Miller's camp are some of our favorite memories. Claire's (and your) love for nature and your love for one another was delightful.
Robin & Trent
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Tom Patterson uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 7, 2019
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Tom Patterson uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 7, 2019
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Tom Patterson uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 7, 2019
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Tom Patterson uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 7, 2019
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Tom Patterson uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 7, 2019
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Robert E Zieger posted a condolence
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Probably the best I can offer is a copy of what I wrote to Henry the day after Claire's death:
"Some of my warmest and most formative memories are of you and her and my family at Cedar Lake. Both on my own and through my father, who admired his big sister greatly, I came to know her as a kind, intelligent, and genuine woman, and the love story that you shared with her is one for the ages.
I know you aren't looking for compliments, but you handled her final months beautifully. She knew that she was loved and your final acts of selflessness proved that all the more.
Congratulations on seventy-two magnificent years. You are both an inspiration to all of us."
With Love from Robert, Shiera, and Sephie
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Robert E Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 7, 2019
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Claire with our then two year daughter, Sephie.
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Robert E Zieger uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 7, 2019
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And so wonderful to see Claire do with my daughter what she did for most of her ninety-five years--share her love of reading.
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Ken and Fusun Charles posted a condolence
Thursday, March 7, 2019
A great Lady has left Cedar Lake. Claire Patterson was a compassionate, loving, a great Lady and at the same time intellectuel and wise.
Our most sincere condolences to Henry and the Patterson Family.
We are holing you in our hearts and our prayers with lots of love,
Fusun and Ken
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Tom Patterson uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 7, 2019
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Barbara Vidal posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Thank you Claire for sharing your love of nature with our Cedar Lake Community. My condolences to your family. Rest in Peace.
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Jim and Barbara Florance posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Henry,
Please accept our condolences. Claire was really the first environmentalist at Cedar Lake. She was a model for many of us who followed her. She will be missed by the many Cedar Lakers who knew her. I was amazed that you two had been married for 72 years!
Thanks for the support that both of you have given POWWW over the many years you have been members.
Jim and Barb
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Peter & Cathy Marshall posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
We have been fortunate enough to know Claire and Henry for over 30 years. They welcomed us warmly to the Cedar Lake Community, and when we met them we knew we had come to the right place
Claire enriched the lives of everyone who met her. We were better people for being in her presence
She and Henry surely were role models for everyone here
There is no question she is in a very good place now, a reward for a wonderful life
She will of course be missed, but her memory will live on
Our love to Henry and the family
Peter & Cathy
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TAMMY BOYD HASLER & The Boyd Family posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Dear Mr. Patterson, Richie, Tommy & family....I am so sorry to read of Mrs. Pattersons passing. She was such a sweet lady I always enjoyed Halloween going to the house and having to do a trick for a treat! Loved the popcorn balls years ago. Cedar Lake has lost another "Good Neighbor" cherish the memories forever
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Rebecca Philippe Toledo posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Dear Mr. Patterson and Family,
My deepest condolences to all of you; Mrs. Patterson will be missed by many, including my own family. I have wonderful memories of both Mr. & Mrs. Patterson sitting out on the lake front on summer evenings, enjoying the lake, and the late afternoon/early evening swims at the West Beach. Mrs. Patterson will be included in many happy memories of living in Cedar Lake for all these years, for both myself and my own children who grew up there.
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Jane philippe freda posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Mr. Patterson and family...
I am so sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of you both. You both coming to the beach every afternoon for your swims. The “tricks” we got to do for Halloween and you continued to do so, so my children got to do them also. You both have touched us all and made many fond memories for so many.... thank you Mrs. Patterson, you will be greatly missed.
Love Jane
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Chris Fell posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
My prayers and Condolences to the Patterson Family may Claire Rest In Peace.
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Barbara and Charles Silverman posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
May Claire’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her and to all whose lives she touched.
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Barbara and Charles Silverman lit a candle
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
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Nancy & Tom Lackner posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Tom and I send our deepest condolences to the extended Patterson Family. I had the pleasure of visiting with Mrs. Patterson only a few times - when she visited Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids - but most times she'd include a note along with a donation or membership check, which allowed me to know her better. It was obvious she kept up with what was happening at the Nature Center under Rich's direction, and she was justifiably proud of the work he did here. She also expressed great pride in other family members, including Dan and Nancy. I am sad she's no longer with you physically, but I'm glad she's no longer suffering. Thinking of you all....
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