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Patricia VanderVeen

October 21, 2021
Portage, MI

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Portage Patricia "Patty" Brawley VanderVeen, 70, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2021. She was born May 22, 1951 in Jacksonville, FL to the late John Roderick and Esther Brown Brawley. Her father's career with The Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company (Pfizer) brought her to Kalamazoo as a child. She graduated from Portage Northern High School in 1969 and went on to attend Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. On April 11, 1981 she married Jerry L. VanderVeen, who survives. She worked as a legal secretary for the law firm of Howard and Howard for 14 years, before dedicating her life to raising her 2 beloved daughters. Patty was a loving wife, mother, Gigi, and a generous and loyal friend. Those who knew her loved her endless energy, spirit, attention to detail, and willingness to help others. Patty had a way with her southern upbringing to strike a balance with charm, grace, and discipline and was always comfortable in any social situation. She enjoyed spending time in Northern Michigan during the summer and the Florida Keys in the winter. Patty loved being on the water and never missed the opportunity to take a picture of the sunset. She was happiest when spending time with family and friends and was always there to brighten the lives of others. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a sister, Linda (Phil) Brawley Simpson of Cornelius NC; two daughters, Lindsay (Brian) Clark of Carmel, IN and Morgan (Ryan) Ward of Golden, CO; and two precious granddaughters, Natalie and Blair Clark. A celebration of Patty's life will be held from 1-3 pm on Thursday, October 28, at the Kalamazoo Country Club, 1609 Whites Road. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we respectfully request that all guests are vaccinated. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to National Jewish Health (www.nationaljewish.org) and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, directed to Rose Arbor (www.hospiceswmi.org). To leave an online condolence or memory, please visit Patty's personalized webpage at https//:www.langelands.com