Search by Name

Search by Name

Alberta "Birdie" Patterson

02/10/1910 - 03/06/2013

Alberta "Birdie" Patterson obituary, 02/10/1910-03/06/2013, Santa Maria, CA

BORN

02/10/1910

DIED

03/06/2013

Alberta Patterson Obituary

Alberta "Birdie"
(LaPrise) Patterson
Alberta "Birdie" (LaPrise) Patterson was born February 10, 1910 and passed peacefully into heavenly rest on March 6, 2013 at 103 years old. She was born in Detroit, Michigan to parents of French-Canadian descent. In her youth, she spent many happy childhood days visiting her grandmother in River Rouge, climbing cherry trees and sleeping in a huge feather bed. She attended Catholic schools through high school, and after some college she joined her father in the car business. Together, they operated a Cadillac dealership in Detroit, with Birdie working in the finance department and occasionally running the show while her dad attended one of his beloved Detroit Tigers baseball games.
After WWII, Birdie met Roy "Pat" Patterson and they returned to Pat's home state of California to spend their married life. Pat was a pilot for American Airlines (his original Pilot's license was signed by Orville Wright) and during his time off from American, he and Birdie traveled as much as possible - to Hawaii, Tokyo, Hong Kong, India, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Mexico, Canada, and more. This was during the golden age of air travel and Birdie loved flying "first class". At home in Southern California, she volunteered at local hospitals and other charitable organizations. After retiring from American Airlines, Pat flew Walt Disney's private jet for a time, and Birdie and Pat attended the grand opening of Disney World in Florida along with Birdie's parents - a real treat.
In their retirement years, Birdie and Pat moved to Santa Maria and met wonderful neighbors who became life-long friends. Pat passed away in 1995, just after he and Birdie celebrated 49 years of marriage. In 2000, Birdie moved to Arbor View (now Merrill Gardens) in Santa Maria and was their first resident. She liked to say "I was the first one through the door!" She lived at Merrill Gardens until her passing and was lovingly cared for by all of the wonderful staff there. Jovita Armenta, Birdie's friend and caregiver, was also extremely important to Birdie, and she missed her very much after Jovita's passing in 2012.
Birdie had a wonderful spirit, a great sense of adventure, and loved to tell a good story. She was truly one-of-a-kind. She is survived by her niece, Francie (Charles) Giroux of Texas. She joins her parents, brother Louis, husband Pat, and all of her cherished dogs from over the years, in Heaven.
There will be a Rosary in the Chapel at Merrill Gardens, 1220 Suey Road, Santa Maria, California on Thursday, March 14th at 7:00pm. A private Mass will be held on Friday, March 15th followed by interment and blessing at 10:00am at the Dudley Hoffman Memory Garden, 1003 East Stowell Road, Santa Maria, California.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary Crematory and Memory Gardens.

Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Maria Times on Mar. 14, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Alberta Patterson

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Stacey Bassett

March 14, 2013

Oh Birdie....I met you once and I think we both made a awesome impression on each other....I'll always have memories of you at the Elk's during the Altrusa Christmas Tree Extravangza...Thoughts and prayers for family and friends....

Tina Flores

March 14, 2013

I'm so sad to read about "Birdie"s" Passing. I was a Mgr. @ Petsmart 5yrs. ago & Birdie would come in the store with her beloved white maltese "Lily" and wave @ me and say "hi honey, im here" I would talk and shop with them, she told me about being the first female Elk member in Santa Maria and i told her i read the article in the newspaper and was so happy for her. Another time she came in the store with out Lily which was unusual sadly she told me Lily had passed.. Birdie was truly a classy and lovely lady, just one of those favorite customers u never forget!

Bonnie Allen

March 14, 2013

My Dear Birdie.......Yes, you did walk through the doors of Arbor View as the first resident. You kept the place hopping after that due to your vivacious personality. I loved you very much and am sorry that the last few years I was in Hawaii/Nevada and couldn't visit you daily but I enjoyed our telephone conversations. When I saw you and Jovita last year we spent some fun hours together and I am thankful for that. You were a delight.....what will Merrill Gardens be without you. Now you join Pat and Lily in heaven. Keep everything in order until we join you. Thank you for making my life a little brighter the last 13 years. I Love You.....Bonnie

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Alberta Patterson's name

Memorial Events
for Alberta Patterson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Alberta's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Alberta Patterson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more