Audrey Mae Patterson

After a courageous battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s, Audrey Mae Patterson, 68, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, at Landis Homes, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Narvon, she was the daughter of Richard and Alta Mae Patterson of New Holland. Audrey was a lifelong caregiver and advocate, dedicating her career to nursing. She worked as a family nurse practitioner at Union Care in Lancaster, where she was deeply respected for her compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

Audrey was a woman of deep faith and service. She was a devoted member of Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, where she served on the church council and found great joy in worship, service, and fellowship. Her faith was the foundation of her life and work.

A trailblazer in her family, Audrey was among the first to attend college. She earned her nursing degree from Eastern Mennonite University and later completed a master’s degree at Millersville University. Her deep commitment to global service led her to many years of work with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), where she brought care and compassion to communities in the Navajo Nation, El Salvador, and Brazil. Fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese, Audrey built meaningful relationships with the people she served, always offering a healing presence grounded in respect and love.

Audrey had a boundless curiosity and a joyful spirit. She loved all things nature, from gardening in her own backyard to attending the Philadelphia Flower Show each year and taking long nature walks. She was an avid reader, an enthusiastic traveler, and someone who delighted in learning and exploring new things.

Above all, Audrey treasured connection. She deeply valued quality time with family and friends and was known throughout the Lancaster community as a generous, loving neighbor and a true friend to all. Her warmth, wisdom, and kindness touched countless lives.

In addition to her parents, Audrey is survived by her children; Rediet Patterson and Rahel Patterson, both of Lancaster. Her surviving siblings include Diana Jacobs (John), Richard Patterson II (Susan), and her brother-in-law, Thomas Martin, of New Holland.

Audrey was predeceased by her sister, Susan P. Martin.

Audrey’s life was a testament to quiet strength, loving service, and steadfast faith. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A time for family greetings will take place at Akron Mennonite Church, 1311 Diamond St, Akron, PA, on Sunday, September 14, from 2:30 to 3:15 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:30 PM.

The family asks those who knew and loved Audrey to kindly consider a donation in her memory to the Brain Support Network at https://www.brainsupportnetwork.org/donate/

Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.