Susan L. Patterson

East Nassau- Susan Lynn Patterson passed away in Albany, NY, after a long battle with illness on January 30,2026, at the age of 73. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 25, 1952, to Arthur and Marilyn Patterson, Susan lived a life defined by empathy, generosity, and love. Her qualities profoundly touched everyone she encountered.

Susan radiated a pure-hearted commitment to nurturing others with quiet grace and boundless compassion. She spent many years working for Broome County, NY, helping children and families, before her retirement in 2017. She is best recalled for her personal passions: an avid reader of diverse genres, a talented artist and painter, a dedicated collector and trader of antiques that evoked stories of the past, a creative cook whose dishes warmed hearts and homes, and a perpetual learner driven by curiosity and eagerness to explore.

Above all, she found deep fulfillment in family and was a bright guiding light for her four grandchildren. Owen, her oldest, was her steadfast companion and confidant through thick and thin, and she was incredibly proud of the man he has become. Sullivan, with whom she shared a passion for artwork and greatly enjoyed his encyclopedic knowledge in a wide variety of hobbies and pursuits. She adored attending Simon's various sporting endeavors and admired his pure heart and optimistic spirit. Her youngest, "Baby" Silas, whom she nurtured for years as a caregiver and helped to foster his quick wit and improbable imagination. She infused their lives with gentle wisdom and joyful play just as much as they infused hers.

In both work and personal life, Susan's extraordinary gift for connecting with children was marked by intuitive understanding and an ability to connect. She could feel what a child needed in any given moment-comfort in distress, encouragement in doubt, or a patient ear for their innocent views. She communicated on their level, forming real and lasting connections not easily forgotten. Unassuming kindness and true selflessness are the lasting hallmarks she will be remembered by.

Susan was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Marilyn Patterson, and her brother, Thomas Patterson. She is survived by her son Patrick (Katie Hart) Doorey, and siblings Jackie (Steve) Hooper, Jerry (Ellen) Patterson, Tim (Elisabeth) Patterson, Patricia (late Jim Mastny) Patterson, and Dan (Eva) Patterson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and treasured friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

In an often impersonal world, Sue embraced authenticity. She gifted a legacy of love that will continue to inspire and heal. Memorial services will commence on Thursday, February 5, at 9:00 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 667 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush, NY 12061, with a Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan's memory are encouraged to the children's literacy charity "Imagination Library" https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/