Gloria Irene Patterson

Gloria Irene (Hugus) Patterson was born on October 13, 1938, in Hopedale, OH, to Virginia and Russell Hugus. Her family later moved to Erie, PA, where her sister, Janet, was born. Gloria’s childhood was filled with joyful memories—swimming in Lake Erie, spending summers at Presque Isle with family and friends, and sharing adventures with her sister. She was an active member of the Girl Scouts, her church youth group at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, and the Erie Playhouse. She graduated from Academy High School in 1956.

Gloria attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, where she discovered her passion for teaching elementary students. In her sophomore year at Westminster, she met the love of her life, Robert, while working as a server in the college cafeteria. What began as a friendship blossomed into a lifelong love, and they married on August 12, 1961, in Erie, PA.

After their wedding, Gloria and Robert began their teaching careers in Pennsylvania before moving to Bloomington, IN, where Robert pursued his doctorate. While in Bloomington, their first daughter, Kimberly, was born. The family later relocated to Indianapolis, where their second daughter, Lisa, was born. Gloria embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, organizing activities for neighborhood children and creating a warm, welcoming home.

In 1974, the family moved to Reynoldsburg, OH, where Robert became the University Registrar at Capital University, and Gloria continued her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Herbert Mills Elementary School in Reynoldsburg City Schools. She retired in 1999, having built lifelong friendships with fellow educators and eagerly attending monthly retired teachers’ luncheons.

Gloria was a creative and adventurous spirit who found joy in singing, sewing, quilting, camping, traveling, gardening, and reading. Her love of music began early and continued throughout her life, singing in school and church choirs, as well as performing with Sweet Adelines, Capital City Chorus of Indianapolis, and the East Side Entertainers of Reynoldsburg. She was an active member of Broad Street Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, served as a Deacon and Stephen Minister, and directed the Rainbow Summer Enrichment program for neighborhood youth.

In retirement, Gloria took up quilting, making cherished baby quilts for friends and family. She also served as a Columbus Airport Ambassador, warmly welcoming visitors from around the world. Her love for children extended beyond her own, as she volunteered in her grandchildren’s classrooms in Pickerington and Granville Schools.

Gloria and Bob shared a passion for travel, visiting over 50 countries together. Ireland, New Zealand, and the Czech Republic held special places in her heart, with Ireland being a favorite destination they visited four times—the last visit was to see their granddaughter studying abroad in Cork.

Above all, Gloria’s greatest joy came from her family, especially her grandchildren. She treasured baking with them, teaching them to sew and play the piano, singing songs, reading stories, building fairy gardens, attending school and sporting events, and embarking on family trips to Hilton Head, SC, Venice, FL, Disney, and numerous RV adventures. Her grandchildren adored camping with Nana and Papa, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and Russell Hugus, as well as her beloved Aunt Ella and Uncle Paul Hugus. She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Robert; her daughters, Kimberly (Todd) Ebbrecht and Lisa (Chris) Kitchen; her sister, Janet Heintzel of Valrico, FL; her five beloved grandchildren, Clay and Ali Ebbrecht, and Taylor, Jared, and Lauren Kitchen; and her nieces and nephew, Rebecca Der (Rob), Mindy Stevens, and Timothy Heintzel, along with her grand-niece and four grand-nephews.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff and residents of Ohio Living, especially hospice caregivers Gail and April, Ohio Living nursing staff members Kadiatou, Megan, Michelle, Ibrahim, Charles, and Amber and the Ohio Living administrative staff Sydney, Caitlin, and Elizabeth. To the Broad Street Presbyterian Church leadership (Amy, Ann, Bill and the Choir) and church members – thank you for your visits, love and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11AM at Broad Street Presbyterian Church, 760 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205, with a reception to follow. The service will be live-streamed via the Broad Street Presbyterian Church YouTube Channel.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Gloria’s memory to Westminster-Thurber Childcare Center, an upcoming project that was close to Gloria’s heart, fostering intergenerational connections between residents and children of Ohio Living employees. Donations can be sent to: Ohio Living Foundation, 9200 Worthington Rd #300, Westerville, OH, 43082 (Designate the donation for the Childcare Center).

The family also asks that donations be made to the Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice, in gratitude for the outstanding care provided. Donations can be sent to: Ohio Living Foundation, 9200 Worthington Rd #300, Westerville, OH, 43082 (Designate the donation for the Home Health and Hospice).

Gloria’s life was defined by love, kindness, and a deep commitment to family, friends, and the community. She will be forever remembered and dearly missed.