Susan Eileen Patterson

Susan loved her son, Jasen. She always wanted what was best for her son in life and was, herself, a very independent and strong individual. From early on, she had a special passion for raising and caring for animals. After the death of her beloved husband, Kevin, twelve years ago, Susan moved to a farm on the mountain top of Tellico Plains, TN. There she raised alpacas, llamas, her beloved three horses, chickens, dogs and a cat. Brave and determined best described how she lived her life in TN. Earlier in her adult life, Susan worked as a medical technician and then obtained a phlebotomy certificate and worked as a phlebotomist in the Washington metropolitan area.

Susan had a heart as big as the moon. She had a unique way of interacting with those around her. Honest and upfront, she held a special place in the hearts of all those she met.

Susan was predeceased by her husband, Kevin Howard Patterson and brother, Matthew John McNellis. She, is survived by her loving son, Jasen McNellis of Maine, parents Gloria and Jim McNellis of New Bern, NC, sisters Ann McNellis Elmore (Carl) of Savannah, GA, Barbara Sinopoli (Peter) of Cary, NC and Linda McNellis, recently of Savannah, GA.

Susan's hopes for life were best described in a note she once wrote to God: "...Please help me to understand your will for me and give me the courage and strength to carry it out. Please let my purpose in life be meaningful, useful and good. Please help me to find true love and happiness and to enjoy them. To be financially secure and beautiful the way I want to be. To be happy, healthy, to have a meaningful purpose and to enjoy and make the most of this life you have given me..."

A special thank you to Pete Sawyer, who helped Susan with the farm in the last couple of years she lived there. Special thanks as well to Susan's nurse, Kathy, social worker, Susan, spiritual counselor, Betsy, each of Transitions LifeCare (formerly Hospice of Wake County), and the many wonderful nurses and aides at The Hospice Home. You enhanced the quality and time Susan shared with all of us in the last two months of her life.

Memorials on Susan's behalf can be made to your local SPCA or animal shelter.