Elaine Patterson

She was born in Waterbury, CT on September 28, 1938. Elaine graduated from Watertown High School in 1959 and received her B.A. in Education from Southern Connecticut State College. She continued her education and earned her Masters Degree from Florida Atlantic University.

Elaine visited Fort Lauderdale on vacation in 1963 and fell in love with the city. She decided to make Fort Lauderdale her home. She met her husband, David, in Fort Lauderdale and they were married in 1970.

The highlight of Elaine's life was her family and friends. Her passion for education was evident in the many lives she touched throughout her career. She began teaching at St. Anthony School in 1980 and became principal in 1986. She retired in 2003 when her first grandchild was born.

Elaine will be remembered for her lively personality and the positive impact she had on countless children and families.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Amy; son-in-law, Tom; grandchildren: Molly and Abigail; sister, Elizabeth Reynolds; and brothers: William (CT) and Thomas (PA). Elaine is preceded in death by her husband, David; and her parents, Elizabeth St. John and Arthur Lewis.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elaine L. Patterson Scholarship Fund at St. Anthony Catholic School, 820 NE 3rd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 or Alzheimer's Association, at www.ALZ.org.

A visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at Fred Hunter's Downtown Chapel in Fort Lauderdale. A funeral mass will be held at 10am Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at St. Anthony Catholic Church.