Full Name: Patricia Ann Rapp
DOB: August 22, 1937
DOD: April 3, 2016
Born in South Haven, Patricia was the daughter of Guy and Margueritte Paquin and was preceded in death by siblings Aileen, Gerald and Harold. Pat is survived by husband Joseph, son Josh (wife Michelle, daughter Laramie and son Ben), daughter Lisa Harris (husband Roger), son Jason (wife Susan).
Pat attended South Haven High School and Mt. San Antonio Junior College in California, before earning her degree in education from Western Michigan University. While at WMU, Pat met future husband Joseph while walking through East Campus and they wed in 1958. In addition to teaching elementary school in Parchment and Delton, Pat was able to influence others' desire to gain knowledge through reading while serving as a reading tutor at Nazareth College and also out of her home. A voracious reader with a lifelong desire for learning, Pat maintained an alphabetical inventory of the hundreds of books she devoured over the years. Pat fed her zest for knowledge in later years through world travel, Bible study, book clubs, fellowship and learning Spanish.
Pat shared a passion for everything WMU with husband Joseph, as they attended fine arts performances and athletic events on campus for 50 years. As a devoted fan of Bronco Basketball, Pat cheered on the Broncos at home games and often kept score during road contests while following the action on the radio. During the summer months, Pat occupied many evenings rooting on the Detroit Tigers.
Pat's overriding devotion to family and friends was evident to all whom she encountered. An active listener in an otherwise distracted world, Patricia will forever be remembered as someone who modeled intentional living and demonstrated a genuine interest in the lives of others.
Patricia will be memorialized with a visitation Wednesday, April 6 from 3-7pm and a service Thursday @6:30pm at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 9800 East BC Avenue in Richland, with dinner to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Pat's honor to:
Open Doors Kalamazoo
www.opendoorskalamazoo.org
-or-
The Richland Public Library
8951 Park Street
Richland, MI 49083
www.richlandlibrary.org