South Deerfield, MA – Susan Howard Patterson, 78, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at her home in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family.
Susan was born on October 16, 1947, in Ware, Massachusetts, to Annie Momna Howard and Stedman Brown Howard. She grew up in West Brookfield with her parents, her two brothers, Stedman (“Tig”) and Jonathan (“Jon”), and her grandmother, Grace Brown Howard. Her father’s family owned and managed Bay View Lodge in Saco, Maine, where Susan spent her summers working and enjoying the beach. As a teenager, she even won “Best Tan” one summer in Ogunquit – a title she wore proudly.
She graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School in 1965 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Leslie University in 1969. While attending Leslie, she met the love of her life, Paul Grover Patterson. The story became family legend: she winked at him through the window of the Hayes Bickford Cafeteria on Tremont Street near Boston Common. He came inside – and that was it. They married in 1970 and shared 55 devoted years together.
Teaching was not just Susan’s profession; it was her calling, a gift passed down from her mother, Annie, who was also a teacher. She began her career as a classroom teacher in South Deerfield and Greenfield, where her warmth and enthusiasm shaped countless young lives. In 1986, she earned her master’s degree in education with a focus on reading from the University of Massachusetts and became a reading specialist in the Greenfield Public Schools. She delighted in helping students discover the joy and confidence that comes with reading.
Susan loved the beach, a good tan, and a glass of wine at 5:00. The southern coast of Maine remained her favorite place, and she shared her deep love of the ocean with her children throughout her life. She had a gift for conversation and made friends wherever she went. Her laugh was unforgettable – joyful, booming, and occasionally loud enough to wake her children or get her in trouble at meetings. Above all, family was the center of Susan’s world. Her love, humor, and warmth will live on in all who knew her.
Susan is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Paul Grover Patterson; her daughters, Melissa Patterson-Serrill and her husband, Doug, and Amanda Kendall and her husband, Ben; her grandchildren, Max and Abe; and her brother, Jonathan Howard. She was predeceased by her parents, Annie Momna Howard and Stedman Brown Howard, and her brother, Stedman (“Tig”) Howard.
A celebration of Susan’s life will be held in the spring. Those wishing to attend may contact the family for further information as details are finalized or visit the McCarthy Funeral Home website where service information will be posted.
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