Norma Jean Patterson

Raised in a close-knit family, she learned the values of hard work, kindness, and resilience from her parents, who were her pillars of strength.

Norma became a registered nurse with Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing in 1952, then went on to become a certified Nurse Anesthetist in 1954. Soon after, she took those nursing skills to Eritrea where she dedicated herself to helping the sick, while ministering to those in need. She then went to New Mexico to serve at an orphanage on a reservation. While there, she formed a lifelong special bond with a girl named Corena Dee, who became the only child to really know Norma as a mom. Norma prayed every day for Corena Dee, even though they were separated by many miles.

On August 17, 1970, she began work at Woodland Park Hospital as a nurse Anesthetist and retired after 25 years of service on February 29, 1996.

Norma married the love of her life, Jack Wendell Patterson, on August 9, 1980. Their marriage was a true testament to partnership and devotion, marked by unwavering love, support, and shared dreams. She and Jack bought property in Gresham where they enjoyed their dogs, llamas, miniature donkeys, and very spoiled visiting birds. They were faithful members of Bethel Bible Fellowship, and together enjoyed sharing the love of God by teaching Sunday School classes for young children. Norma was the church pianist until just a few years ago, and the church treasurer for over 25 years.

Norma loved to stay connected with those that she had known over the years, and she really supported the US Postal Service with all the stamps she bought to make sure others would know that they were appreciated and not forgotten. She was an avid writer of poems, songs, and articles for Sunday School papers, and even wrote articles for the Cherry Wood Village news bulletin.

After her beloved husband passed away in 2021, Norma moved into an independent living facility where she enjoyed cooking for her neighbors and sharing her love of Christ with them. She was a testament to many of a life dedicated to serving God.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Patterson; her parents, Hester and Mattie Kennedy; her three brothers, Clyde Kennedy, Darrell Kennedy, and Ronald Kennedy; and two sisters-in-law, Betty Kennedy and Alvena Patterson.

Norma is survived by two sisters-in-law, Naomi Kennedy, and Diane Kennedy; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and some that are great-great; and Corena Dee, a daughter of her heart. She also leaves behind her dear friends Nate and Lory Purdum, and their children and grandchildren, who were like family to her.

A funeral service for Norma will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W Powell Blvd, Gresham, Oregon 97030.