Gwendolyn Kay Paterson's Obituary
Gwen was born on October 31st in 1934. She shared her Halloween birthday with her father. She spent her early years in Grand Haven where she attended the First Reformed church. Gwen was a member of the church choir and enjoyed Sunday night hymn singing at the beach. She spent a lot of her younger years fishing with her brother and going to the beach with friends.
Gwen moved to Muskegon at the beginning of high school and played the clarinet in the Big Reds marching and concert band. She also was the secretary to the band director. Upon graduation from Muskegon High School in 1953 she attended Muskegon Community College where she sang in the choir and performed in operettas.
In 1954 Gwen attended the University of Michigan. She was a proud member of the Chi Omega Sorority. Gwen was a fervent Michigan fan and enjoyed tailgating with her friends and family for many years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech and language pathology. Gwen worked as a speech pathologist for Royal Oak and Troy Public Schools for 30 years, retiring in 1991.
In 1979 Gwen married James Paterson (deceased). They shared a love for U of M football and politics. She participated in democratic fund raisers and “get out the vote” activities for democratic candidates. Gwen and Jim spent many wonderful summers together in Lexington Michigan at their cottage on Lake Huron.
Gwen was a community minded person and joined the Lions Club in Hazel Park. She served as their secretary for 8 years and president for 2 years.
Gwen was preceded in death by her husband James Paterson and her parents Edward and Madeline Huttenga as well as her beloved brother Gordon Huttenga and his wife Sandra. She had two children, Bill Reardon from Hazel Park and Mary Katherine (deceased). She was proud to have 3 grandchildren, Lisa Melnick, Kyle Reardon, and Rebecca Reardon. Gwen adored her 5 great grandchildren, Noah Reardon, Hailey Reardon, Ryan Reardon, John Luke Melnick, and Ava Reardon.
Services for Gwen will be held on Thursday, January 5th at Hopcroft Funeral Home in Madison Heights on John R. Visitation is from 3-6pm with the Funeral Service at 6:00 pm. Pastor Scott Gentry will officiate.
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