Pat Beebe

Great satisfaction can be found in the meaning of relationships and how we all play such an important role in the lives of our family and in the lives of the people we meet as we journey through life. From her early days in Jackson, Michigan, through her wonderful life with her husband, Douglas, to her final days as a loving grandmother and great grandmother, Patricia "Pat" Beebe knew that true hospitality begins in the heart.

In 1928, the world was a very erratic and at times dangerous place. The United States was enjoying the relative respite of peace between the world wars, and at the time of Pat's birth, the trials of the Great Depression were just around the corner. It was into these unpredictable times that Alfred and Orpha (Keirns) Perkey of Jackson, Michigan, delighted in the birth of their daughter, Florence Patricia, on August 26, 1928. Little Florence Patricia was named after her Aunt Flo, and although she was fond of her aunt, Pat did not like her given name so she always went by Patsy as a child and then later by Pat. As the youngest and only girl, Pat was doted on by her two older brothers, Maurice and Charles.

Pat's father earned a living working at Western Electric, and it was his work that brought the family of five to Kalamazoo. Pat received her education in the area schools and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. When she was a teenager, her brothers were drafted out of high school to serve in World War II. Pat was extremely proud of her brothers as they served their country, but sorrow soon followed when her brother, Maurice, died in combat in Iwo Jima.

It was in high school that Pat met her future husband, Douglas Beebe. A friend of Pat's had just broken up with Doug and practically begged Pat to ask him to the Sadie Hawkins dance, hoping she could make him feel better. As fate would have it, Pat and Doug were destined to be together, and it wasn't long before they were head over heels in love. They were happily married on August 6, 1949.

During high school, Pat worked at Gilmore's Department Store and did some modeling for them too. After graduating, she went on to attend Western Michigan University, while Doug attended Kalamazoo College. After marrying, Pat left school to work in order to support them while Doug finished college. She took a job at E.J. Kelly Ink Company, however, when they were expecting their first child, Pat got Doug a job at the company as a salesman so she could stay home and raise their family. Over the next several years, Pat and Doug were blessed with four wonderful children: Tim, Sheri, Dan and Robin. Pat devoted herself entirely to being a mother and took an active role in every phase of her children's lives. From being a Boy Scout den mother to attending all her kids' school and sports events, Pat's passion was to support her family. Once the children were grown, Pat entered the workforce again and took a job as the office manager of Kalamazoo Oncology and Hematology PC at Borgess Hospital. She retired in 1993.

Time together as a family was always important to Pat and Doug. The couple bought a home on Pine Lake, where many great memories were made as a family over the years. Like fish, the family loved being in and on the water, spending countless hours on their pontoon and swimming; Pat especially loved to swim with her grandchildren, whom she adored. When not on the water, Pat enjoyed tending to her garden, where she grew beautiful geraniums and tiger lilies, or sitting quietly and quilting. Pat made both her daughters exquisite bedspreads, which now become treasures of the heart. Outside of the water and her garden, Pat knew her way around the kitchen quite well too, and made many great dishes for her family over the years. Each of her kids had their favorites, of course; Dan loved her meatloaf and the girls try to this day to replicate their mother's amazing gravy. Dinnertime was especially important to Pat because it brought the family together after a long day.

Pat and Doug had a wonderful marriage. They always enjoyed each other's company and shared many of the same interests, like watching NFL football games and PGA golf tournaments on TV. Pat also liked playing cards, especially the game of Golf, and rarely missed Wheel of Fortune. She and Doug were also very sociable and firmly believed in the adage "the more the merrier." No doubt, they were happiest when surrounded by the love and laughter of their family and friends; though Pat was always in her glory when spending time with her precious grandkids. Summer holidays were always filled with fun and food, and birthdays were something to celebrate no matter what age!

Pat lost her beloved husband Doug on October 23, 2005, after fifty-six wonderful years of marriage. It wasn't long before Pat's health began to slowly wane too. Then on Memorial Day weekend, she suffered a heart attack, which she just couldn't get enough strength to recover from. Her family brought her home to her lake house, where she passed away surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Always hospitable, Pat opened her heart, arms and home to everyone. She had such a warm, compassionate nature that everyone just naturally called her "Mom" and "Grandma" - two loving words that fit her well. Pat was undoubtedly one of those very special people you hope you are fortunate enough to meet one day. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

F. Patricia "Pat" Beebe, age 78, of Pine Lake, MI, died at her home on June 7, 2007. Visit with Pat's family and friends on Monday, June 11, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, RDMG, 120 S. Woodhams in Plainwell, where her funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Beebe, and her brothers, Maurice and Charles Perkey. Members of Pat's family include her children and their spouses: Tim Beebe of Pine Lake, Sheri & Jim Ferrari of Kalamazoo, Dan Beebe & his fiancée, Melinda Ritchie, of Plainwell, Robin & Kirk Evans of Kalamazoo; her grandchildren: Kelly & John Paulsen, Kevin & Nancy Beebe, Lindsay Ferrari, Andrew Ferrari, Matthew Evans, Tyler Evans; great-grandchildren: Jack & Hailey Paulsen; her sister-in-law, Ginnie Lyles; and many nieces and nephews. Please visit Pat's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo of her or sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Spring Valley Wesleyan Church or Pine Lake Association.