Celebrating the life of
Elizabeth Beck Patterson
August 04, 1946 - April 29, 2009
Savannah - Elizabeth Beck Patterson passed away on April 29, 2009 at the age of 62 at Hospice Savannah, Savannah, Ga.
She was born in Yonkers, NY, the eldest child of Dr. Charles and the late Mary St. Cyr Beck. She lived in Alaska for a brief time before the family settled in a rambling house in Tarrytown, NY, where her father had a pediatric dental practice. She attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, graduating in 1968. Elizabeth married John McIntyre in 1968 and had a daughter, Robilee. After her first marriage ended, she married Lawrence Hamilton in 1972, and had two more daughters, Parker and Tandy. Taking classes at night while working full time, she graduated with an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1983. She served as the Vice President of Marketing for Stewart's Shops in Saratoga Springs, NY, for many years. She also opened her own advertising agency and served as an executive with Smith and Jones marketing agency, Bonfare convenience stores and the American Marketing Association.
In 2000, she moved to Savannah, a city she had always loved. There, she married John Patterson. Together, they operated a cigar and gift store currently known as the Savannah Bulldog Cigar Company. She lived in the historic district and loved the beach on Tybee Island. She will be remembered for her beautiful hats, her photographic talents, her fabulous entertaining and her devotion to her bulldogs, Max, Pinky and Admiral Halsey. She also gave us her poignant autobiographical book "And Finally Elizabeth."
She was a member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church and was active in the St. Lawrence Alumni Association. Elizabeth was previously President of the Savannah Downtown Business Association and the Saratoga Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband John; three daughters: Robilee Beck McIntyre, 40, of Watervliet, NY, Parker Hamilton Poling Todd, 31, of Washington, DC, and Tandy Rice Howard Kevin, 27, of Boston, MA; two step children: Christopher Patterson 37 of Madison, Wisconsin, and Jennifer Edgerton Jeremy: two granddaughters, Abri Pascale and Barrett Poling, and two grandsons, Benjamin and Duncan Edgerton; her father, Dr. Charles F. Beck of West Palm Beach, FL; four brothers and sisters: Charles F. Beck, Jr. of Auburn, NY, Bruce Beck of West Palm Beach, FL, Ellen Grad of Larchmont, NY, and Mary Ramsey of Atlanta, GA; and twelve nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother and two brothers, James and John.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 429 Abercorn Street, Savannah with reception to follow in the fellowship hall.
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Elizabeth when she sponsored me into Soroptimist and we became good friends. I will always remember her for her love of color and flowers and the energy and joy she brought to life. She will be greatly missed.
- Cynthia Ferrone Eletto, Saratoga Springs, NY
Robilee, Parker and Tandy, Your Mom brought joy, sunshine and happiness to the lives that she touched. I have so many great memories of times spent with her at Soroptimist, at the Chamber, Emma Williard, & on a myriad of volunteer projects. She always gave 110% to everything that she undertook, and always did so with a smile on her face. Her personality was as bright as her lapel flowers, hats and clothes. She'll certainly leave a void in your lives and the lives of others, but know that she will always be with you. Love, Linda Toohey
- Linda Toohey, Saratoga Springs, NY
I am so sorry for your loss. She was an inspiring woman who brought love and laughter to all those who were lucky enough to know her.
- Annemarie Eimicke, New York, NY
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a spirited and unique woman. She left a memorable impact on each person who met her, and had the gift of lighting up so many rooms and lives during her lifetime. She will be missed by many. My thoughts and condolences to all her family and loved ones.
- Whitney White, New York, NY
I was so sorry to learn of our mother's passing. She was an incredibly creative and loving person. It is hard to imagine that she is gone. I remember our time together at Stewart's fondly. She was so helpful to me in so many ways. My heart goes out to you at this time. With love and sympathy, Susan Dake
- susan law dake, saratoga springs, NY
Dear Robilee, Parker, and Tandy, My condolences on your mother's passing. Please know that our family's prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Most truly yours, Joanne Litterer McDermott
- Joanne Litterer McDermott, Gansevoort, NY
My condolences to Betsy's family. She was a warm, creative, and energetic person who will be deeply missed. I have fond memories of our many years together in Saratoga Springs particularly at Stewart's Shops. Fondly, Nancy Trimbur Saratoga Springs, NY
- Nancy Trimbur, Saratoga Springs, GA
I appreciated Elizabeth supporting my music. She was a warm and caring person. I will miss her smile."Ode To Elizabeth"There is a new flower in the gardenIt shines among the others and poursout a freshness that lifts the spirits of those who come near it.The angels love this new flower and welcome it to the garden.
- Gail Thurmond, Savannah, GA
I have many fond memories of Betsey and her family from days in Syracuse and Saratoga Springs. She was a person of great energy and good humor with a warm and engaging smile. I will miss her as will many others.
- Peter Eriksen--Mouse, Walden, NY
Oh, I sure will miss Elizabeth! She was a great gal. My thoughts and prayers to her family. Laura Simpson
- Laura Simpson, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Elizabeth when she sponsored me into Soroptimist and we became good friends. I will always remember her for her love of color and flowers and the energy and joy she brought to life. She will be greatly missed.
- Cynthia Ferrone Eletto, Saratoga Springs, NY
Robilee, Parker and Tandy, Your Mom brought joy, sunshine and happiness to the lives that she touched. I have so many great memories of times spent with her at Soroptimist, at the Chamber, Emma Williard, & on a myriad of volunteer projects. She always gave 110% to everything that she undertook, and always did so with a smile on her face. Her personality was as bright as her lapel flowers, hats and clothes. She'll certainly leave a void in your lives and the lives of others, but know that she will always be with you. Love, Linda Toohey
- Linda Toohey, Saratoga Springs, NY
I am so sorry for your loss. She was an inspiring woman who brought love and laughter to all those who were lucky enough to know her.
- Annemarie Eimicke, New York, NY
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a spirited and unique woman. She left a memorable impact on each person who met her, and had the gift of lighting up so many rooms and lives during her lifetime. She will be missed by many. My thoughts and condolences to all her family and loved ones.
- Whitney White, New York, NY
I was so sorry to learn of our mother's passing. She was an incredibly creative and loving person. It is hard to imagine that she is gone. I remember our time together at Stewart's fondly. She was so helpful to me in so many ways. My heart goes out to you at this time. With love and sympathy, Susan Dake
- susan law dake, saratoga springs, NY
Dear Robilee, Parker, and Tandy, My condolences on your mother's passing. Please know that our family's prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Most truly yours, Joanne Litterer McDermott
- Joanne Litterer McDermott, Gansevoort, NY
My condolences to Betsy's family. She was a warm, creative, and energetic person who will be deeply missed. I have fond memories of our many years together in Saratoga Springs particularly at Stewart's Shops. Fondly, Nancy Trimbur Saratoga Springs, NY
- Nancy Trimbur, Saratoga Springs, GA
I appreciated Elizabeth supporting my music. She was a warm and caring person. I will miss her smile."Ode To Elizabeth"There is a new flower in the gardenIt shines among the others and poursout a freshness that lifts the spirits of those who come near it.The angels love this new flower and welcome it to the garden.
- Gail Thurmond, Savannah, GA
I have many fond memories of Betsey and her family from days in Syracuse and Saratoga Springs. She was a person of great energy and good humor with a warm and engaging smile. I will miss her as will many others.
- Peter Eriksen--Mouse, Walden, NY
Oh, I sure will miss Elizabeth! She was a great gal. My thoughts and prayers to her family. Laura Simpson
- Laura Simpson, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

