Obituary of Norma Jean Patterson
Norma Jean Hurley Patterson, 95, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2023, at Rome Health Extended Care, with her family by her side.
Norma Jean Hurley was born on July 24, 1927, in Potsdam, NY, the eldest daughter of Harold Hurley and Harriet Booth Hurley Methot. Norma was raised and educated primarily in Ogdensburg, NY, but spent her senior year with her father in Syracuse, NY. Norma was a 1945 graduate of Syracuse Central High School. Norma always had a soft spot in her heart for that little town on the St. Lawrence River and visited Ogdensburg often. Norma spent most of her working career as a switchboard operator. Number, please? After graduating high school, Norma moved to Rome, and found employment with The New York Telephone Company. Norma also worked for a private answering service and ended her career at Griffiss Air Force Base, where she was employed for 25 years. Norma enjoyed a very long retirement. She remembered her switchboard days very fondly and met many lifelong friends who continued to get together for monthly lunches for many years.
On June 18, 1949, Norma was united in marriage to Paul Patterson in St. Mary’s Church in Rome, NY, a 66-year union that lasted until Paul’s death in 2015. Norma enjoyed preparing for the Christmas holiday year-round; Christmas Eve was an extraordinary time in the Patterson household and something she looked forward to the entire year.
Norma is survived by her five children: Mark and Sharon Patterson of Green Bay, WI; Sue Eland of Orangevale, CA; Craig Patterson of Woodland, CA; Judy DuBiel, and Rose Patterson both of Rome; seven grandchildren, Eric Patterson, Colleen Manning, Jason Eland, Mathew Eland, Nikole Patterson, Kyle Patterson, and Erin Patterson. Norma also leaves 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, spouses, and children. Norma was predeceased by her father, Harold, in 1972; her mother, Harriet, in 1997; her younger sister, Nancy Costigan, in 2008; and two sons-in-law, Larry Marubashi, in 2017, and Dr. William DuBiel, in 2018.
The family would like to thank the entire 3rd-floor nursing staff at Rome Health, Extended Care, Social Worker and niece, Becki Benson, and the whole activities team for the exceptional care and compassion given to Norma over the past four years.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut St., Rome, on Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 12 PM to 1 PM, followed immediately by a service at 1 PM. Interment will occur in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Rome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Norma’s name to Rome Health Extended Care Activities Department, Attn: Megan Absolom, 1500 N. James Street, Rome, N.Y. 13440.