Opal Lee Patterson
Opal Lee Patterson, 90, North Manchester, Ind., passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2013, in Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester.
She was born Feb. 8, 1923, in Tuscaloosa, Ala., to Grover Cleveland Tucker and Rachel (Moore) Tucker. She graduated from Tuscaloosa High School in 1940 where she was a member of the National Honor Society. On March 30, 1944, she married Paul E. Patterson. He preceded her in death.
She was employed at the University of Alabama as a secretary for 4 years. After she and her husband moved to North Manchester, she graduated from Manchester College in 1962 with distinction. She received her Master’s Degree in elementary education from St. Francis College, Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1969. She taught at Thomas Marshall Elementary School in Columbia City, Ind., and Chester Elementary School in North Manchester. She was a first grade teacher in the Metropolitan School District of Wabash County from 1970-1979. After retiring in 1979, she did private tutoring for adults. Opal was a member of North Manchester United Methodist Church.
She is survived by one daughter: Diane M. (David) Ciolli, Springboro, Ohio; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by seven brothers and four sisters.
Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at Peabody Chapel, 400 W. Seventh St., North Manchester. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at the chapel. Reverend Sue Babovec and Pastor Mark Eastway will officiate. Burial will take place in Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester. Arrangements entrusted to McKee Mortuary, North Manchester.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Peabody Retirement Community Caring Circle, 400 W. Seventh St., North Manchester, IN 46962, or to North Manchester United Methodist Church, 306 E. Second St., North Manchester, IN 46962.