Suzanne “Sue” Patterson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed to her next life on November 17, 2016 surrounded by those she loved most at Pikes Peak Hospice.
Sue was born in Houston, Texas on November 1, 1942, the third daughter of the late Eugene W. Shier, Lt. Col. USAF (Retired) and Anita P. (Laughlin) Shier.
As the daughter of an Air Force family, Sue grew up in Bellaire, Texas, Japan, Florida, Saudi Arabia and Germany. She graduated from General H.H. Arnold High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. Sue met her husband-to-be in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and attended South West Texas State University before marrying Howard R. “Patt” Patterson, Lt. Col. USAF (Retired) 55 years ago.
Sue volunteered her time with the American Red Cross and Pikes Peak Hospice. She taught reading to adults and served their Home Owners Association. Sue also was a sponsor of cadets at the Air Force Academy and assisted with the social activities of a squadron. Her cherry cheesecake seemed to take all honors at the cadet parties! As a cadet sponsor, their home was frequently filled with cadets looking to enjoy a home cooked meal and to have a “Mom” to enjoy.

Sue organized reunions for her H.H. Arnold High School Class, reaching hundreds of alumni. That effort grew into an organization devoted to reunions for hundreds of “Military Brats” attending schools overseas. Sue was employed by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service before she became a dedicated Estée Lauder product specialist. In more recent years, Sue managed the families’ rental properties.
Sue followed her husband for almost 30 years as Patt was stationed for tours of duty from Alabama to Texas to Germany to California to Georgia to Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs where Patt retired in 1984. Sue raised her family on her own as Patt served a tour of duty in Vietnam.
Sue is survived by her husband, Patt; daughter, Kathryn Patterson Jehoshaphat (Josiah); son, David A. Patterson (Amanda); grandsons: Ryland and Tanner Patterson; sister, Susan Wayland; brother, Bill Shier and uncle Kenneth R. Shier. She is also survived by many relatives and friends from all over the world. She was preceded in death by her sister, Judy Shier.
Sue’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Robert Sayre, her primary Oncologist and the many other medical professionals of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers of Penrose Hospital and especially to the staff and volunteers of the Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care Center. We are very grateful for all the friends and neighbors that supported Sue with their friendship, concern and care during her fight with cancer.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard. A reception will follow across the street at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, Sue, an avid wildlife watcher and animal lover, requested that donations be made to your local animal rescue organization.

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