Patricia Anne Walters (Clarke), age 83 of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, August 31, 2013. Her husband of 65 years, Robert Joseph Walters, Sr., was by her side, along with her son, Robert Joseph Walters, Jr. (Diane), and several grandchildren. Pat was greeted at heaven’s gate by her daughter, Annette Marie (Walters) Blaschka, who preceded her in death along with her parents, Thomas and Lillian Clarke, and her brother, Thomas Clarke, Jr. Besides her husband, Bob and son, Bob, Jr., Pat is survived by her grandchildren whom she loved deeply: Matthew Walters (Dina), Kelly Walters, Christopher Armstrong (Lindsey), Ian Blaschka, and Amy Blaschka; great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Gromko was a special joy that Pat (“Gigi”) cherished. Also surviving are Pat’s sisters, Ruth Gruenwald (Ron) and Dorothy Hinton. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her beloved pets, Chase and Mystique. Pat was an active, vibrant person involved in many activities and interests. She was loved by countless friends. Pat was full of joy and compassion and cared deeply for her family and friends. She also had a deep faith in God. Pat prayed daily that she “would live a long life so she could take care of her family and help others”. God answered her prayer. Pat was an active member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish and attended Bible Study at St. Robert’s Parish. Pat and her husband, Bob sponsored the annual corn roast at St. Robert’s to raise funds for a scholarship fund at Aquinas College in memory of their daughter, Annette. Pat was also a member of a local sewing group that met weekly. Pat loved family gatherings and celebrated every opportunity to have them – or no excuse at all but to be together. We will miss her greatly. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday 12:00 Noon, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton SE, Msgr. Ernest P. Schneider and Msgr. R. Louis Stasker, presiding. Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday 2-4 & 6-8 PM with a vigil service at 6:00 PM at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul the Apostle/Daniel J. Donnelly Education Foundation, 2750 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-4998.
