Mattie Lee Ladd Patrick

Mattie Lee (Ladd) Patrick, age 93, a resident of Durham, peacefully passed away Monday, September 11, 2023 at Croasdaile Pavilion. Her children and family of caregivers were with her as her kind and serene soul returned to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)

She was a bright presence and calm-natured. Her sweet smile was a light as those who knew her have noted. Her family, staff and caregivers found enjoyment in relating with her as she brought humor and a gentle calm nature. They lovingly came armed with nutty buddies, skill and grace to subdue the inevitable stressful times. A former piano player, Mattie Lee was encouraged with the music events, in addition to the creative activities, and personal caring attention she received while at Croasdaile. She benefited spiritually from the chapel community services and hymn singing.

Mattie Lee (Ladd) Patrick grew up in the Derita community of Charlotte, NC. She attended Montreat School for Girls and Elon College. After graduating as an RN from Charlotte's Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, she did postgraduate work at the Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in NJ.

She was the only daughter of Alma Hunter and John Wesley Ladd, also of Derita. Her mother died in childbirth when Mattie Lee was 3. Later Mattie Lee gained a loving stepmother, and a grandmother for her children, Sarah Elizabeth Hunter of Charlotte, NC.

In April of 1958, she married Herbert William (Bill) Patrick of Matthews, NC. In 1969, Lee & Bill settled in the Durham area, where Lee worked as a nurse at Watts Hospital. She also retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield where she worked as medical reviewer, while raising 3 daughters. Despite life's demands, she remained a nurturing and attentive mother and wife. Bill and Lee were active members at Olive Branch Baptist Church for decades. Lee enjoyed supporting the Durham community through volunteer work at the Red Cross and the Independence Day celebration, Festival for the Eno.

Lee is preceded in death by Bill Patrick, her husband of 50 years.

Lee is survived by her daughters, Beth Patrick of Durham, Kay Patrick (Hayden) of Black Mountain, Carol Houston (Kendall) of Clayton, her grandchildren Patrick Houston (Erin) and great granddaughter, Callie Ann, and granddaughter Hunter Rae Blackwell (Bailey), along with many kind and caring nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community Chapel on Friday, Sept 15 at 12 noon, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, Durham NC. Pastor Kent Butterfield, First RPCNA of Durham officiating.

The family will gather for visitation and refreshments before the service at 11:30am outside the Chapel. The family will attend a private graveside at Oak Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to UMRH inc (located at Croasdaile) for the scholarship fund in support of nurse training or Transitions Lifecare.