Catherine Ann Fromyer Patterson

Catherine Ann Fromyer Patterson

Catherine Ann "Cathy" Fromyer Patterson, 61, of McKean, died Monday February 16, 2015 at her home after a brief illness. She was born September 20, 1953 in Erie, a daughter of the late James J. and Gertrude Johnson Fromyer.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathrine "Kate" Patterson (Scott) of McKean; two sons, James Potter of Erie and John William Patterson of McKean; an aunt, Grace Howell (Richard) of Fairview and her grandson, Gage Ziegler. She is also survived by many cousins and dear friends.

Cathy was a teacher at St. Gregory's School in North East and at Conneaut Valley Elementary School.

She was past president of Presque Isle Jaycees, a Junior Vice Member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 470, Auxiliary Member of the Purple Heart Chapter 197, Secretary of Erie County Korean War Memorial, and Secretary of the North West PA Purple Heart Memorial.

Cathy's passion for teaching shaped many young lives, and her honor and dedication to the veterans of the United States Service will be remembered by all who knew her.

She was an advocate for veterans rights and benefits. A few of her accomplishments include orchestrating the arrival of the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall to Edinboro University, and organizing bus trips for veterans from around Erie County and the PA Soldiers and Sailors Home to Washington D.C. to see the war memorials.

Cathy's greatest accomplishment was her three children and beloved grandson. She loved spending time with Gage at Presque Isle State Park, baking, and collecting cookbooks.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Thursday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass on Friday at Saint Francis Xavier Church, 8880 West Main Road, McKean, PA., at 11 a.m. Burial will be private at Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery.