Anne Patterson
March 30, 1945-June 4, 2025
Anne Carroll Patterson, known as Nancy Hely in her youth, died at age 80 on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. She was born on March 30, 1945, in Philadelphia, while her father was coming off the island of Iwo Jima, where he had served as a U.S. Navy surgeon with the United States Marines. Her father was Dr. Charles J. Hely of Westfield, N.J., and her mother was Anne Carroll (Nancy) Hely, originally from Philadelphia.
Anne was the oldest of seven children. She graduated from Westfield High School in 1963 and graduated from Grove City College in 1967. A year later, she received a Masters degree from Duke University, then took her first elementary school teaching job in San Diego. There she taught fifth grade, drove a convertible blue MG and lived directly on the beach — the happiest time of her life, she often said.
In San Diego, she met her first husband, and the couple relocated to Texas, where their daughter, Nicole Ittner, was born. Anne then began her long career in public education and service with the Houston Public Schools. She rose from classroom teacher to elementary school principal, ultimately becoming an Assistant Superintendent, overseeing the West District of the Houston Independent School District, one of the largest school systems in the country.
While serving as Assistant Superintendent, two young Teach for America teachers approached her with what they believed was a better way to educate urban students. Anne encouraged and supported them, helping launch what would become the KIPP Charter School network. Today, KIPP is one of the largest and most widely recognized charter school systems in the United States. Her role in KIPP’s founding is detailed in the 2009 book “Work Hard. Be Nice: How Two Inspired Teachers Created the Most Promising Schools in America” by Jay Mathews. The book also recounts how Anne’s father’s example as an obstetrician and public servant shaped her commitment to education.
After retiring from the Houston Public Schools, Anne was recruited by the KIPP Foundation to help expand the network. She played a key administrative role in rebuilding the New Orleans school system after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, helping to launch a largescale charter school initiative that significantly improved student outcomes over the following two decades. Following the end of her first marriage, Anne married Pat Patterson, with whom she remained until his death in 2008. Anne is survived by her dog, Teddy, and her daughter, Nicole Ittner, who lives in Marfa, Texas, with her husband, Ross. She is also survived by her six siblings: Charles Hely of Needham, Mass.; Daniel Hely of Carlisle, Pa.; James Hely of Westfield, N.J.; Mary Lou Hely of Lancaster, Pa.; Elizabeth Hely of Durham, N.C.; and Kate Hely of Aurora, Colo., as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her two stepdaughters, Katherine King and Kelly Strickler, and their families.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Houston Hospice; Dr. Amy Mynderse; everyone at Four Leaf Towers; and her many dear friends and colleagues. An outpouring of appreciation for Anne’s work in public education was shared on her Facebook page, which the family deeply appreciated.
A memorial gathering will be held this fall in Westfield, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Anne’s name to KIPP Houston.
July 10, 2025
