Connie Sue Patterson went home to be with her Lord on 07/16/2023 at the age of 61. Connie is survived by her husband, Monty (Jack) Patterson, her daughter, Jessica O'Faolain and son-in-law, Jay, her brothers, Fritz Ratcliffe and Craig Ratcliffe and his wife, Marlene, her aunts, Gail McGrew and Janette Tobin, her uncles, Tom McGrew and wife, Debbie and Steve McGrew and his wife, Patty. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Norm and Charlotte Ratcliffe and her stepmother, Lynn Ratcliffe.

Connie Sue Ratcliffe was born on May 16, 1962 in New York City. At the age of 3 she was adopted into the loving home of her parents who wanted a little girl. Connie moved a lot during her childhood. Her dad was in the Air Force. He eventually retired to Hudson, Florida. Connie followed in her dad's footsteps. She joined the Air Force and retired as a major after 20 years of service to her country. She visited many places during her time in the service and her favorite assignment was in Germany.

Connie graduated from Hudson High School. She earned her AA in nursing at Pasco/Hernando Junior College, earned her Bachelor degree in nursing from the University of Central Florida and went on to earn a Masters degree in Education and Training from the University of Oklahoma.

Connie was a connoisseur of life. She loved painting, reading, hanging out with her cats, drinking coffee – lots of coffee. She loved spending time with family and friends. Her great love of babies and children was the driving force behind her decision to become an OB nurse.

Connie lived life passionately. She wasn't just passionate in her heart. She was passionate in her voice and in every choice. Her eyes and ears and hands and feet were passionate. Connie Patterson defined passion in action. If the church needed a greeter, Connie greeted. Not just some people. Everyone. If help was needed in the kitchen, Connie was there to prepare. Homeless people in need of Blessing Bags? Connie, with persistence and precision, got the job done. Volunteers needed at the Oasis Pregnancy Center? Connie was there. She was a prayer warrior extraordinaire.

Connie was who she was because Jesus is Who He is. Because Jesus chose Connie, Connie chose Jesus as her Savior and Lord, surrendering her life, the very person of who she was, to His full care custody and control. To observe Connie's life was to see evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit's occupation in a surrendered heart, living in harmony with God's purpose and plans. To be loved by Connie was to have been loved to the fullest.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Suncoast Hospice Hillsborough Team for their incredible support with special thanks given to her nurse, Marie, who went above and beyond what was asked of her. A special thanks is given to Yuliana who was with Connie when she left her earthly home and entered her eternal home with Jesus. Thank you for staying the whole time and speaking to Connie words of encouragement. Special gratitude is given to Pam for all her prayers and the help she provided and for the many prayers lifted to the Father by those who love the family.

Connie's family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to: West Broad Street Baptist Church, Oasis Pregnancy Center or Humane Society of Tampa Bay.