Correne P Moran

Correne Rockhill Patterson Moran, age 96, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Village in Centerville, Ohio. Born on December 18, 1927, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Correne was the cherished daughter of Herman and Dorothy (Guntz) Rockhill. She was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Robert Patterson and Donald Moran, with whom she shared a combined 60 years of soulful love, resilience through grief, and support beyond measure. She was also preceded by her sister, Marilyn Gates; her son, Thomas Patterson; and her daughter-in-law, Gail Thoma Patterson.

Correne leaves behind a loving family, including her children, Michael (Sandy) Patterson, Dan Patterson, Carol Bradley, Sharon Snyder, and her daughter-in-law, Pam Patterson. She is also survived by her sister, Marge (Dennis) Smith of Cincinnati, and her sister-in-law, Jane Frankenberg of Dublin, Ohio. Through her marriage to Don, she gained six stepchildren, who also survive her: Patsy (Andy) Allen, Nancy (Charlie) Moore, Jack Moran, Shary (Matt) Price, Bonny (Pat) Carroll, and Lesley (Mike) Monte.

Her legacy of kindness and the importance of family is evident through the caring relationships and tight bond of her grandchildren: Chad (Sarah) Myers, Carrie (Robby) Gillespie, Cody Patterson, Chelsie (Jeff Borders) Patterson, and Kristen Patterson, Hallie (Jae-oo Jeong) Bradley, Brittany (Jason) Kocmar, Heather (Tyler) Whalen, Lindsay (Justin) Barnett, Patrick, Justin, and Alec Snyder, Kelly (Matt) Burdge, Kent (Katie) Allen, Tripp (Lindsay) Barry, Lauren and Brian Barry, Steven (Lindsay) Price, Liza and Brian Price, Michael and Kevin Carroll, Brendan (Lissa) Monte and Justin Monte.

Correne was also a proud and loving great-grandmother to Jack and Chloe Myers; Cecilia, Thomas, and Patrick Gillespie; Holden Borders; Ava Jeong; Jemma and Patterson Kocmar; Theodore and Margot Whalen, Ellie and Leo Burdge, Emma and Andrew Allen, Topher and Frankie Barry, Grayson and Nolan Price, and Maren Monte, joyfully celebrating the births and lives of each one.

Correne’s academic journey began at Southside High School in Fort Wayne and continued at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, where she met her first husband, Robert Patterson at the end of WWII. Demonstrating remarkable determination, she returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton at the age of 56.

Her professional life was marked by a deep compassion for children, which led her to work at St. Joseph’s Treatment Center for Developmentally Handicapped in Dayton, Ohio where she developed a pioneering nutrition and cooking program. Her devotion to children was far reaching as she fostered two children for two years, and sponsored international exchange students and families from Cuba, Vietnam, British Honduras, Holland, and Iran.

Correne demonstrated her kindness in word and deed. She embraced her volunteer work and learning something new with each experience. She was a devoted member of David’s United Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday school, served as a board leader, and made history as the first woman to serve as President of the Congregation. She delivered Meals on Wheels, led the Kettering Sister City Committee, volunteered as a Children’s Guide at the Cox Arboretum, and served on the board of the Widow’s Home in Dayton. An active leader, she guided Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the PTA, and was president of the area’s first women’s investment club. Her outstanding community service was recognized by the Kettering Mayor with a Certificate of Appreciation for her work on the Volunteer Advisory Council from 1986 to 1991. As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and First Families of Allen County, Indiana, Correne’s legacy of service enriched both her community and family.

Correne’s legacy also holds a strong independence and sense of adventure which is keenly evident in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Always working to expand her world she accepted all opportunities to travel the world with extensive travels throughout North and Central America and Europe, and jaunts into Asia and Africa.

A visitation for Correne will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45429. Correne’s funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at David’s United Church of Christ, 170 W David Rd, Kettering, Ohio, followed by burial at David’s Cemetery, 4600 Mad River Rd, Kettering. In lieu of flowers, donations in Correne’s name may be made to: David’s UCC Remembrances at https://secure.myvanco.com/YNDR/campaign/C-Z0M4 , Ohio Living Bethany Hospice 6443 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45459 https://ohioliving.org/foundation/donate , or the children’s charity of your choice.