Mary "Mimi" E. Patterson

Mimi Patterson was a deeply beloved wife, mom, sister, and daughter.  She was born in South

Bend to Jacqueline (Drummond, later Heckaman) and Harry Marnocha.  She graduated from John Adams High School in 1977.  Shortly thereafter, when her future husband Kevin was relocated to Nebraska for work, her mother said she should not follow him.  Mimi demonstrated her typical taciturn and retiring nature by going anyway.  She was not a person who enjoyed being told what to do.

Mimi and Kevin returned to Indiana in 1978 and were married on August 10, 1979.  They made their home in South Bend.  She was an adept analytical thinker and worked as a laboratory technician, first at a Bullard Feed in Bremen and then later at Eagle Products in Mishawaka.  In this capacity, she was responsible for ensuring that pet food met FDA regulations, keeping animals safe, a job she was very good at.  She was also helpful with science fair projects for her kids.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin Patterson, her children Jessica Patterson of South Bend and Thomas Patterson of Brooklyn, NY, and her granddaughter, Lillian Fowler.  She is also survived by her siblings Judge John Marnocha and his wife, Maureen of Granger, IN; Carol Marnocha and her partner, Mike Quigg of Mt. Prospect, IL.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James Marnocha, and many aunts and uncles.  Her family was the most important thing to her, she fiercely protected them, and was proud of their accomplishments.  Valuing education, she was particularly pleased with her granddaughter's upcoming graduation from Stanley Clark.

She liked REO Speedwagon, Led Zeppelin, and being correct.  She had been an accomplished angler and hunter.  She was dedicated to recycling, public health, and spending time gardening.  She was also great at taking care of cats, even if she was occasionally displeased with them. Earlier in her life, she had travelled to Mexico, and had been to many places around the United States.

It is hard to sum up the life of a loved person in a simple obituary.  She will be missed every day.

No services are planned at this time. Palmer Funeral Home - River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Potawatomi Zoo at https://26294.blackbaudhosting.com/26294/Annual-Fund-2025 or The Clark Fund www.stanleyclark.org/support-scs/clark-fund

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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