Lois A. Patterson

Lois A. Patterson, 87, of Columbus, IN, died Saturday, March 27, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl T. Patterson in 2014. Lois was born in 1933 to Ralph and Dorothy Pina, of Onset, MA. She graduated in 1951 from Wareham High School, where she took business classes and was a cheerleader. After high school Lois went to work as a clerk-typist at Otis Air Force Base, in Sandwich, MA. It was at Otis she met Carl, who was stationed there. After Carl's Air Force service, the two were married in Onset in 1957. The couple began married life in Seymour, IN, Carl's hometown, later moving to Columbus, following Carl's career with Cummins, Inc. In Indiana, Lois continued her government employment at Bakalar Air Force Base, in Columbus, until after the birth of the couple's son, Alan T. Patterson, in 1958. After receiving a certificate of recognition for 10 years of faithful service, from Base Commander, John Hoff, Lois left the Federal workforce to concentrate on her vocation of wife, mother, daughter, homemaker, and friend to all who came to know her. Whatever their address, the Pattersons were great neighbors to all. Especially close were the ones next door for years on 17th Street, the Harprings. Through three generations, and subsequent moves, Lois and Carl maintained family-like affinity for Richard and Ruth, and their children, who grew up with Alan. And after Carl's death, Lois continued her role of surrogate grandparent to the children of those children. Though Lois and Carl often divided the responsibilities of home life between them, the two were the consummate domestic team. They raised Alan with endless dedication, while extending their caring and loving actions to all those around them. From the time she arrived in Columbus, Lois was a devout, attentive, and supportive parishioner of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. She attended so faithfully for years with Carl and Alan, the three became a virtual institution at Saturday evening Mass. After Carl's death, Lois endured a series of physical setbacks, always doing her best to adapt. And along the way she maintained her concern for others. Lois is survived by her son, Alan, of Columbus, IN; her nephew, Roland (Sheri) Pires Jr., Granite Bay, CA; and niece, Kathleen (John) Swan, of Bakersfield, CA Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her sister, Jaqueline, "Jackie" Pires, and Jackie's husband Roland Pires, Sr., of Roseville, CA. Thank you, to Lois' nurse, Kathy, and everyone at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana for caring for Lois, body and spirit, on this journey. Gratitude is extended to staff and neighbors at Parkside Court, Retirement Living, and to special friends, Bobbie Coers and Melodee Hand. Thank you always, Brenda Clark, Shannon Mathewson and the rest of Lois' Care Crew, especially these past two months. Thank you to Michael and Bonnie Harpring. Thank you to Joe and Lisa Harpring, and to Ben Harpring and Sarah Harpring. Lastly, thanks to everyone at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, for the support, care, friendship and prayers of the ministry team, staff, and parishioners. In lieu of flowers, support of Our Hospice of South Central Indiana is encouraged. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, April 10, at 11 a.m. immediately following 9 a.m.-11 a.m. visitation at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. Attendance is subject to the church's COVID-19 protocols, including facial covering, social distancing and occupancy limitations. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.Myers-Reed.com. Myers-Reed Chapel is serving the Patterson family.