Louise Ware Patterson, 87, died July 2, 2000, at the Augusta Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Gardiner, a daughter of Susan and Melvin Ware, attended schools there and graduated from Hallowell High School in 1931. Mrs. Patterson was employed at the radio station WFAU for 15 years as commercial continuity director. She retired from the office of the Secretary of State. She was a free-lance writer, corresponding for several newspapers. Her articles, poems and fiction appeared in many periodicals. Her published letter to Jacqueline Kennedy upon President Kennedy’s death is on display at the Kennedy Library Museum. When she was 80 years old, she wrote a history of Gardiner, “Vignettes of Gardiner.” She was a member of the Interfaith Singers and a soloist, singing at nursing home facilities. She and her singing partner of 20 years, Jim Shaw, were billed the “Old Folks.” She volunteered at MaineGeneral Medical Center for many years, where the pediatrics ward play area was dedicated to her and her husband. She was a member of Penney Memorial United Baptist Church most of her life. Her husband of 52 years, Saunders L. Patterson, died previously. Surviving are two sons, David Saunders of Farmingdale and Richard Loren of Chelsea; a daughter, Mrs. Michael (Lynda) MacFarland of Chelsea; 18 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. July 13, 2000, at Penney Memorial United Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. S. Robert Beaumont officiating. Arrangements are by Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home.

Source:  Portland Press Herald (ME) – Tuesday, July 4, 2000