Vivian L. Patterson, 59
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Vivian L. Patterson, 59, of Hancock Road died on Monday, June 9, 2014, at Bay State Medical Center in Springfield.
Born in Greenwich, Conn., on Dec. 6, 1954, the daughter of Warren H. and Helene R. Remondin Patterson, she grew up in Greenwich and graduated from Greenwich Academy in 1973. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1977 and her master's in art history in 1980 from Williams College.
Ms. Patterson was long employed by the Williams College Museum of Art, beginning in 1980 as assistant curator for exhibitions and part-time art instructor in art, and later as associate curator for collections management and the curator of collections, retiring in 2012.
During her long career she developed an encyclopedic knowledge of the museum's permanent collection and its history.
She was generous with her friendships, supporting the local art and history communities, mentoring numerous Williams students, and maintaining warm relationships with alumni. At home and off duty, she enjoyed her cats, dogs, folk art and golf.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen N. Pagnotta, whom she married in 1987.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A celebration of Ms. Patterson's life will take place at Taconic Golf Club, 19 Meacham St., Williamstown, on Thursday, June 19, at 5 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams.