Patricia E. (Petersen) Lathrop

Patricia Elise Petersen Lathrop was born in the small town of Clear Lake, Iowa on January 17, 1926. She passed gracefully into Heaven from her treasured home, on a beautiful, clear Sunday morning, November 22, 2015, surrounded by many of her loving family. She was 89. She died in the same room where she had nursed (with her sisters) her beloved Husband George until his passing 33 years ago.

Pat had her early roots in Iowa as the youngest of four girls born to Fred and Vera Petersen. The girls were sometimes known in their young days by their initials, LIP (Lucille), LAP (Lois), GAP (Gretchen), and PEP (Pat), but later on by their character, beauty, values, Danish backbone, and great singing voices. 

The family moved to Saginaw, where Pat met her future husband, George H. Lathrop.  They became high school sweethearts, endured the War, and finally married after as did so many. They were card carrying members of The Greatest Generation in every way.

Pat worked in support of the war effort in Saginaw and later helped put George through school in New Haven, Connecticut, where they had their first apartment. After completing his studies at Yale, Mom and Dad moved to Grand Rapids where he began work at American Seating, later at Gallmeyer and Livingston, and finally completing his career at Old Kent Bank, while Pat made the home and raised Baby Boom kids (Dave and Jim) during the 50s and turbulent 60s.  Sister Lena Dotevall Boucher arrived in 1968, a fully formed teem from Sweden and a part of Pat's life forever.

While Pat and George came to West Michigan, her sisters raised their families in Saginaw and Ionia. Fortunately, the families were close enough to share LOTS of holidays, vacations and summer picnics which shaped us a family. The bonds are tight and the stories endless. These and the deep love we share endure all and are a source of laughter and tears.

Family was everything to Pat. Vacations camping across the continent on those brand new “super highways” with “the cousins;” (Gretchen Knapp (Dan), Skip Smith (Amy), Leslie DeSmyter (Mike), Terry Horrocks (Ray), Pam Rogers (Dick), and Tom Ross (Linda).  Vacations, picnics, and regular family holidays together were the norm. Turkeys were eaten and wine was spilled as we grew from three to four to five generations. Pat and her sisters were always at the center, an “Aunt Farm” choreographing everything, and caring for their folks too until their passing.  It was truly one big family.

Pat found time for her community in many ways. She served over 50 years as a member of the Bissell Guild at Blodgett Hospital, and was a member of a women’s organization, PEO, for longer still. Among other things, PEO supported girls education long before it was common.  She was an active member of Park Congregational Church from the time they arrived in Grand Rapids, where she served in many capacities and enjoyed to her death the social activities of her Ten. She was a board member at DA Blodgett Homes for Children, picking up where George left off when he died.

When her boys married (Dave and Gay, Jim and Robin) and finally gave her grandkids (Luke, Tessa, Alexandra and Dillon and step-grandson Josh),  she had them with her for countless days, playing in sandboxes, making play houses, running in sprinklers, and for many sleepovers.  Watching Winnie the Pooh and making special sleeping “nests” for bedtime at Grammy’s were always highlights. Pat’s love of her grandkids filled the second half of her life.

The door of her home was always open and she loved cooking and informal entertaining. It was well known that a big pot of homemade soup and some fresh bread were always cooking on Saturday for any who stopped by… plus a glass of wine if you were eligible. Beyond her kids friends, one frequent guest was Phyllis Schek, a full sister in all the ways that matter and a compassionate, smart, loving friend to the end.

In the end, Pat showed a path through life’s rough spots caused by what she called “OA” (Old Age). She was helped through this time by many special caregivers from Porter Hills, most particularly her “long lost daughter,” Peggy Rogalski.  She maintained an amazing attitude and seldom complained no matter the trial. She was sometimes blunt, but always came from the heart.  She loved people and was the best Mom and Grandmother we could have asked for.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday 12 noon at First Park Congregational Church with the Rev. Todd Petty officiating.   The family will greet friends on Wednesday at the church from 10:30 am to noon.

Pat had a full life and was actively anticipating her next life, reunited with her Savior and friends and family.  Pat was an old school woman, with solid values, born of her times. She was as imperfect as any of us, forgiven by her Savior, and willing to share her love with all.  She is missed.

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