Gloria Jean (Barker) Patterson

Gloria Jean Patterson, 73, of Woodbridge, beloved wife of 53 years to the late Leonard H. Patterson, died peacefully at home after a long illness on June 18, 2024 with her family by her side. Loving mother of Lisa Ashmore of Gardner, MA; Michelle (Giancarlo) Colonna of Woodbridge and Leonard H. Patterson III. Sister of the late Larry (Harriet) Barker, Thomas (Linda) Barker and the late Mary Jane (Thomas) Aldridge. Gloria is survived by her grandchildren, Ashley (Nick Castonguay) Ashmore, Matthew, Emma and Ava Ashmore; Grace, Lia and Christopher Colonna; as well as her great grandchildren Aiden and Harlowe Castonguay and Matthew Ashmore III. She was predeceased by her granddaughters Christina and Guiliana Colonna and her great grandson John Ashmore. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was always devoted to her pets throughout her life and most recently her dog “Goldie” who was also by her side when she passed.

Gloria was born in Bridgeport on July 18, 1950, daughter to the late Arthur Ray Barker and late Marcella Mae Kirk. Prior to her retirement, Gloria was employed by Friendly’s Restaurant for over 25 years as a waitress. Gloria enjoyed cooking and baking homemade desserts and playing rummy and bingo with her family. She had a passion for shopping and had an abundant collection of shoes and matching pocketbooks. She adored anything sparkly and was not ashamed of some good self-care, treating herself to mani/pedis and having her hair done. She was a hopeless romantic that enjoyed romance movies and love songs. She was the ultimate sun worshipper, and her favorite time of the year was the summer. She took pride in displaying her plant and flower boxes during the spring and summer. Above everything else, she treasured spending time with her grandchildren, always going beyond doing special things for each and every one of them. Gloria was a member of Haven of Hope Church in Hamden. One of the most important aspects in her life was her faith and her relationship with God. She was known as “Aunt Gloria” at church and was affectionately called “Nannie” by not only her grandchildren but also several young people whose lives she touched throughout the years.

Arrangements were entrusted to West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. All services will be private at this time. In memory of Gloria, you can watch her favorite movie “The Notebook” while eating popcorn with extra butter.

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