Obituary of Martha L. Patterson

MARTHA L. PATTERSON Ballston Spa- Martha L. (Littlefield) Patterson, 61, of Ballston Spa, NY, entered Eternal Life on January 23, 2014 at home surrounded by close family and friends. She was born on August 18, 1952 to Harry and Olga (Janacek) Littlefield of Freehold, NJ. A Registered Nurse, she held Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Russell Sage College. Martha started her life long nursing career in 1974 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, NYC. She worked at Albany Medical Center while pursuing her Master's degree. Martha then began a 30 plus year career at the Visiting Nurses Association of Albany (VNA) as a staff nurse and advanced to Director of Patient Services. After retiring from the VNA in 2011, she worked for The Joint Commission as a Home Health Care surveyor. A member of Calvary United Methodist Church, her interests included spending time with her grandchildren and family, swimming, bike riding, gardening, embroidery, and watching polo at Saratoga. Friends and family remember Martha as someone who enjoyed life, helped others, and lived each day to the fullest. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Raymond; her two step-sons, Russell (Thuy) of Charleston, SC and Rory (Sara) of Wilton, NY; her mother, Olga of Freehold, NJ; sister, Vera (Bob) Musser of Freehold, NJ; and brother Paul (Nancy) of Burlington, VT; five grandchildren, three nephews, one cousin, and countless friends. Martha, Ray, and family extend sincere gratitude to Noel and Lou Liuzzi, Dr. Rufus Collea and the entire NYOH (AMC) team, countless family and friends who have, and continue to be, with us through the breast cancer journey. Also a special thanks to Community Hospice for their brief, yet great care for Martha. Calling hours will be held Friday February 14,2014 from 4 to 7pm at Calvary UMC Church, 15 Ridge Place, Latham, NY. A Memorial Service celebrating Martha's life will be held at Calvary Church on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Martha's name to Calvary United Methodist Church, 15 Ridge Place, Latham, NY 12110 or the VNA Foundation of Albany, 35 Colvin Avenue, Albany, NY 12206. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home in Latham and for information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.