Elisabeth S. Patterson, “Bettymae”

Elisabeth S. Patterson, “Bettymae,” age 90, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, in Newark, Delaware. Bettymae will be lovingly remembered for her intelligence, incredible memory, a big smile, and her zest for bridge games. Topping her favorites list were summer days at Delaware Beaches, where her family and friends gathered.

A proud graduate and valedictorian of Milford High School, DE, class of 1952, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics at University of Delaware in 1956; there she was a member of Mortar Board and Phi Kappa Phi. After graduation Bettymae joined the staff of the Pennsylvania State University as Extension Home Economist in Bucks County, PA, where, among other highlights, she expressed good fortune – as a small-town girl – to be seated at a luncheon next to Pulitzer Prize winning author Pearl Buck (The Good Earth).

In 1958 Bettymae married William S. Patterson Jr., and, after service with the US Army, and moves around the Philadelphia area, they settled in West Chester, PA, where they actively raised five children: William S. III (Suzanne Seiler), Barbara Chierici (Robert), Joanne Woodruff (Mark), John (Diana Flores), and Warren (Jennifer Giblin). Her children all appreciate the incredible amount of time she devoted to managing household meals and laundry, around all kinds of sports schedules, scouts, piano lessons, and after-school jobs. Her cherry pies and cheesecakes were prized along with cakes and batches of fudge prepared around Valentines Day.

Bettymae offered her time and talents in service to others. Beyond her church volunteer activities, and her dedication to the Red Cross blood drives, Bettymae truly relished sewing curtains and slipcovers for family, friends, and neighbors. Bettymae was also adept at fine needlework, completing a hand- appliquéd Baltimore Album Quilt and many heirloom pieces for her family.

Bettymae and Bill enjoyed traveling to the British Isles, Panama Canal, Novia Scotia, and many US cities and states. While Bill was in the US Army in Germany from 1959-1961, they went to many capitals of Western Europe, including a memorable trip to the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome where they saw runner Wilma Rudolph make history as a gold medalist in track and field. Bettymae also recalled seeing sprinter Frank Budd pass the baton correctly for the USA 100-meter relay team before they were disqualified for passing the baton outside the zone. She loved a good debate, particularly around sports and politics, and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. For example, Bettymae thought the Big Red Machine was the greatest baseball team ever; even recently she could name all of the players in the storied line-up.

Bettymae remained connected to some of her very special high school friends in Milford. She was a varsity athlete and cheerleader along with many in her circle who were athletically and academically engaged with the success of the Buccaneers. Their shared history, frequent correspondence, and telephone calls meant the world to her, especially in recent years when she lost her vision.

In their retirement years, Bettymae and Bill looked forward to summer visits at their home near Bethany Beach and to large gatherings at Dewey Beach with their siblings, cousins, children, and grandchildren: Rob, Brendan, Blake, Chris, Lexi, Megan, Laura, Erica, Katie, and Mitchell.

Sadly, Bill passed away in 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents, T. Ralph Snowberger and Mildred Heite Snowberger of Milford. Bettymae is survived by her five children, ten grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her sister Joan Snowberger Bradford, her brother Ralph Byron Snowberger, and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family is thankful to the entire staff at Millcroft Senior Living for their years of care given to Bettymae, and grateful for the gentle tending of Compassionate Care Hospice over the past several months. A private service will be held at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to RedCross.org or call 1.800.435.7669.