Ellen M. Patterson

1921 - 2011

Ellen M. (Mathewson) Patterson died after a brief illness on April 28, 2011, in her home in Durham. She was the wife of the late Herbert M. Patterson for 63 wonderful years and the devoted mother of John, David, Richard and Amy. A true matriarch, Ellen always provided an enthusiastic and joyous welcome to the young and the old in her historic home in Durham and at the family's summer cottage in Fenwick. She adored life, her extended family, her friends, barns and Durham. Ellen's exuberance, style, grace and kindness were legendary and appreciated by everyone who was fortunate to have known her.
Ellen was born on January 15, 1921, in Westport, Connecticut, the daughter of Paul and Alma (Lyman) Mathewson. She graduated from Skidmore College in 1942 and married the love of her life, Herb, in 1943. After moving to Durham, Ellen became an active volunteer. She was a Den mother for her sons' Cub Scout packs and was a lifelong member of the Durham Garden Club where she served as president and the chairwoman of the club's many flower shows and beautification projects. Ellen also was on the Board of the Connecticut Child Welfare Association. As a 35 year member of the Women's Board of the Middlesex YMCA, Ellen served on its many committees. She also helped select houses for its annual Tour of Homes; her own home was on the Tour several times. During the United Churches of Durham Bicentennial celebration in 1976, Ellen played a key role in restoring the church's interior. The formation of Durham's Historic District during the 1970s was one of Ellen's proudest accomplishments. She and a dedicated Historic District Committee helped to ensure that the unique character of Durham's Main Street would be preserved.
Continuing her volunteer service, Ellen co-founded the Coginchaug Regional High School's Scholarship Fund and its Scholarship Ball. The Ellen Patterson Scholarship is awarded annually to a female Coginchaug High School senior. As a corporator of the Middlesex Memorial Hospital, Ellen helped with many of its fundraisers. In 2008 Ellen received the Durham Exchange Club's Golden Book of Deeds award for her many contributions to the town of Durham. She will always be remembered for her volunteerism at the town's public library.
In addition to her four children, Ellen leaves her beloved daughters-in-law, Melinda, Lee and Cindy and son-in-law, Bruce Baird. Her 11 grandchildren, Andrew and his wife, Shannon, Timothy, Luke, Bruce, Jeffrey, Ellen, Emily, Lucy, Molly, Katie and Scott, along with her great-granddaughter, Reese, also survive Ellen. They were her brightest stars. She treasured them and they adored their Grandma Ellen. She attended each of their high school and college graduations. Ellen's sister and best friend, Alma Hinman, predeceased her in 2008. Ellen also leaves her cherished brother, Paul Mathewson, and sister-in-law, Marta Mathewson, along with her devoted brother-in-law, Lewis Hinman and her many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service honoring Ellen will be held on Monday, May 9, at 11 a.m. at the United Churches of Durham, 228 Main St. in Durham with The Rev. Dr. Elven W. Riggles, Jr. Burial will be private in Mica Hill Cemetery in Durham. There will be no calling hours and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen's memory to Durham Public Library, 7 Maple Ave., Durham, CT 06422. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. The Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church St. in Middletown, is handling the arrangements.