Paterson, Marion Bergen

Marion Bergen Paterson, 83, of Blacksburg, died on Thursday, July 19, 2007 at her home. She was born in New Jersey on August 29, 1923 to the late Elliott and Harriett Collyer Bergen, and was also preceded in death by her sister, Virginia B. Jacobson.

She graduated from Gettysburg College, where she was President of Chi Omega Sorority, ad was a delegate to the National Chapter.

After graduating she enlisted in the U.S. Army where she was trained as a Physical Therapist. After being discharged, she trained at Warm Springs, Ga. where they specialized in polio patients. She became the head of the Respirator Center at the University of Michigan Hospital. During the polio epidemic in Washington, D.C., she worked for Children’s Hospital.

She was an Elder and member of the choir at the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Paterson was the President of the Blacksburg High School PTSA and a member of the Montgomery County Council PTA, as well as a Delegate of the State Political Convention in 1978. She also served as President of the Montgomery County Chapter APVA as well as Doocent of the Smithfield Plantation. She was also a member of the Blacksburg Master Chorale.

Mrs. Paterson is survived by her husband of 51 years, Dr. Robert A. Paterson, PhD, Blacksburg; her daughter and son-in-law, Virginia B. and Richard Hanning of Simpsonville, S.C.; her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert A. (Drew), Jr. and Shaw W. Paterson of Winchester, Va., John A. and Sandra Paterson of Blacksburg; six grandchildren, Andrew, Cara, Brian, Jamie, Casey, and Cody; and a sister and brother-in-law, June and Don Simonton of Grand Junction, Colo.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 2 p.m. in the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Alex Evans officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smithfield-Preston Foundation, P.O. Box 11531, Blacksburg, VA 24062-11531. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr. SW, Blacksburg.