Clarice Patterson

Clarice Patterson, age 89 of Cottage Grove, passed away October 27, 2018.

Private interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Clarice Elaine Nelson was born September 16, 1929 in Rochester, Minnesota to George and Bessie (Aaby) Nelson.  She grew up in Rochester until the family moved to St. Paul when she was in 9th grade.  Clarice graduated from Harding High School in 1947

She was introduced to Gordon Patterson by a friend and the couple hit it off right away.  They were married on June 4, 1949 and made their home in St. Paul.  While Gordon was serving in the Navy, they resided in San Diego for a few years.  Once they returned to Minnesota, her focus was on raising her children but later took a position at West Publishing where she worked for several years.  Clarice enjoyed travelling, reading, going to restaurants and word puzzles.  She was an avid MN Twins fan and loved family get-togethers and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Recently, she resided at St. Therese of Woodbury where she made many friends and enjoyed making the space feel like home.

She is the beloved mother to Debra (Terry) Schilling, Dennis (Theresa), Denise (Steve) Housewright; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren as well as many relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Gordon.