Janet A. Patterson, 87

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Longtime Williamstown educator Janet A. Patterson, 87, of Lindley Terrace, Williamstown, Mass., died on July 2, 2018, at Sweet Brook Nursing Home. 

She was born in Worcester, Mass., on August 15, 1930, a daughter of the late Mark M. and Charlotte (Barnes) Patterson. Ms. Patterson attended schools in Worcester. She went on to attend Clark University in Worcester, where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 1952, and her master’s degree in 1954. During the summer months, she was able to attend Indiana University, as well as the University of Massachusetts through the National Science Foundation grant program.

She began her career at the Northampton School for Girls. She went on to work at the Annie Wright School in the State of Washington, as well as the Westtown Friends School in West Chester, Pa., before beginning at Mount Greylock Regional High School in 1961. Ms. Patterson taught biology and general science before retiring in 1991, after 30 years of service.

Following her retirement from teaching, she worked part-time with the Williamstown Health Department for several years. She served as a volunteer at the Women’s Exchange in Williamstown for 20 years. She was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the National Delta Kappa Gai Society, and the Williamstown Grange. She also served as the secretary for the Retired Educators of Massachusetts for 10 years. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Williamstown.

Survivors include her cousins, Nancy Belden of Canterbury, Conn., and Dr. Richard Patterson of Gainesville, Fla. 

Funeral notice: A graveside service to celebrate the life of Janet Patterson will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at 1 p.m. in the family plot at Hope Cemetery in Worcester, Mass.