Patricia Shephard Patterson Of Southampton Dies May 8

Patricia Shephard Patterson, longtime Southampton summer resident, died on Mother’s Day, May 8, surrounded by her family, following a long illness. She was 90.

Born in San Francisco on June 29, 1925, she moved to New York City with her sister, Geraldine, shortly after graduating from Stanford University in 1947. In 1958 she married Bruce A. Norris, owner of the Detroit Red Wings. They had a daughter, Wendy Norris, and divorced in 1967. In April 1970 she married Herbert Patterson, then president of Chase Manhattan Bank.

In the late 1970s, Ms. Patterson began a long career in real estate. She was a top producer and vice president of Sothebys International Realty in Manhattan, and bought houses and land in Southampton long before it was chic. She loved all that Southampton offered, summer weekend festivities, quiet walks, peaceful autumns, magnificent beaches, and close friends. She was involved in the Southampton Fresh Air Home, Southampton Hospital and the Parrish Art Museum. She loved entertaining and hosted many parties and benefits at her homes in Southampton.

Ms. Patterson actively and continuously dedicated herself to making the world a better place for others. She worked tirelessly with boards, commissions and volunteer organizations. She was noted for her work as a board member of the Boys Club of New York, The School of American Ballet, the International Committee of the Museum of Modern Art, Venetian Heritage, the Central Park Conservancy, The Junior League and the Parrish Art Museum.

Traveling the world was one of her many passions. She loved exploring museums, galleries, cathedrals and diverse cultures. She was a passionate collector and supporter of the arts. Her most precious memories were the times she was able to share her life’s journeys with friends and family.

She was an avid sportswoman, proficient in many sports. She spent many happy days competing in tennis and backgammon at her favorite clubs, including the Meadow Club, Lyford Cay Club and the Everglades Club. Weekends were always spent either enjoying lunch on the porch at the Southampton Bathing Corporation or Sunday night dinners at Piping Rock. Holidays were spent at the Colony Club and the River Club.

She is survived by a daughter, Wendy Norris Grant; and a grandson, Bruce Norris Grant. She was predeceased by a sister, Geraldine Shephard.

A memorial will be held in Manhattan in September and Palm Beach in the winter.

Memorial donations may be made to the Boys Club of New York, The School of American Ballet, the Central Park Conservancy, or Venetian Heritage.