I was born and raised in St. Johnsbury,which is in the northeast kingdom of Vermont. One of my English teachers introduced me to the poets, and I started reading and writing poetry. Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Longfellow, and Elizabeth and Robert Browning, Helen Steiner Rice,are some of my favorite poets. I grew up in a home filled with music and family traditions. My northern heritage has had a deep impact on my life and poetry. My mother was a loving nurturing person who instilled the desire within me to be more than I was. We moved south many years ago and lived in the peaceful country side of Southwest Florida. I was a member of The Peace River Writers and was on the board of directors. I was a nurse and worked in Mental Health for the last twelve years. I'm retired now and have moved to Lake City, Florida.
I enjoy reading,writing,music,camping,boating, fishing, family times. I have eight children, His, Mine, and Ours. I have been blessed beyond measure ! 

I was told I had early Alzheimer's in 2007 and have become an advocate for the disease. I am trying to bring more attention and awareness to the public,plus help care givers and those with this devastating illness cope better.    
Our oldest son, Samuel has had seizures since he was four, due to brain damage from Meningitis. In 2006, Sam had brain surgery to stop the seizures. It was only partially successful. He still has some, but not as many. He had memory problems. A PET Scan,was done on Dec 18,08 and was abnormal. On Dec 22, 2008 he was told he had mild Alzheimer's and is using the Exelon4.5 mg and Namenda 10 mg twice daily also plus B Vitamins and folic acid. He inherited Alzheimer's from me at AGE 49 in 2008. There is a genetic factor involved. I fear that some of my other adult children will eventually will develop it too.
It's now Jan 2018 . My memory is still fairly good. I am writing and am keeping motivated in many area's of my life. Sam is loosing some of his short tem memory. I am trying to help him get disability and keep pushing him to use his mind as much as he can!
   
On July 6,2012, my husband, Richard, died. It's hard to describe the feelings of emptiness, grief and loss. He was my soul mate,the love of my life!  Time has helped to ease the lonely days and nights.                        

Some of my poems have been published by, Rainbow Poets, Poetry.Com, The World of Poetry, International Poets Society, American League of Poets,The Peace River Ctr For Writers, Salesian Missions, and I was voted one of the best new poets of 1989. I won the Golden Poet Award in 1990. I recently won third place in J&M Poetry Contest. They published my poem," The Brook". This poem has been published about 5 times by various companies. A short story about Hurricane Charley and a poem were published in "The Summer Of Storms" ,and by the Historical Society of Punta Gorda, Fl in 2011.
Some poems have been featured in, Writing Currents, a news letter put out by Peace River Writers and some have appeared in local newspapers as well as funeral homes and poetry books.

A children's CHRISTMAS story called,, "A SIGHT TO REMEMBER" was published in DEC. 2009! A sequel called "The Secret Treasure of Burnt Store Road" was published in 2013.I have written two other stories and they will soon be published!
In Dec 2011 , A book of poetry was published. It's called, "TREASURES FROM MY HEART". it's A collection of Poetry and Prose,by Mary Grace Patterson and Family. It has 99 pages and can be purchased on Amazon.Com.
"Beyond Forever", another poetry book was published in 2013. It has Inspirational poems to help others.

DEC 14,09..MY CHILDREN'S STORY, "A SIGHT TO REMEMBER" WAS PUBLISHED AND IS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM A sequel called "The Secret Treasure of Burn Store Road" is also available. Two poetry books called, "TREASURES FROM MY HEART." and "Beyond Forever " can be purchased on Amazon.Com . Oct 2015, I have just written another Christmas story called "How Mrs Claus Saved Christmas." It will soon be published. I've completed another children's story called " An Everglades Halloween." Excerpts of my writings and a few poems about Alzheimer's were published in the 2010 summer edition of, "Preserving Your Memory Magazine". I have been writing articles about Alzheimer's in hopes of bringing more awareness of the disease to others and to help those who are struggling to cope with its harsh realities. The Historical Society has published a story I wrote about Surviving Hurricane Charley. The story was also published in the "Summer of Storms" in 2005.