Patricia Lee (DeMeester) Trowbridge, age 63 , passed away on Januray 20, 2020.She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond DeMeester; brother Steven DeMeester and daughter Katherine Trowbridge. Patricia is survived by her husband of 43 years, Gregory Trowbridge; sons David (Valerie) Trowbridge and Brian Trowbridge; granddaughters Sylvia (11), Veda (10) and Guinevere (8) Trowbridge; grandson D. Havelock Trowbridge (4); mother, Violet DeMeester; brother, Allen (Suanne) DeMeester; foreign exchange sister, Ria van Sonnen; several nieces and nephews, extended family and many wonderful friends. Patricia was raised in Ludington, MI where she spent a lot of time helping her parents at their bowling alley. She was a graduate of Ludington High School and then attended West Shore Community College and earned an associate degree in Early Childhood education in 1976. She met her husband of 43 years, Gregory, while she was a patient at the University of Michigan Hospital, where he worked as a nurse. They got married in August of 1976. Following marriage, she worked to support her husband through medical school. The couple welcomed their first son, David, and daughter, Katherine, while they were living in Saginaw, MI. Their second son, Brian, was born in Grand Rapids, MI. Patricia adored being a mom and was very involved in her son’s schools. She was always willing to help with school functions and some of her favorite memories were when she was a “swim team mom”. She also taught Sunday School at First Park Congregational Church for many years. Even after her own children were grown, Pat continued to be an active volunteer within the community offering hours and hours of service to her church’s monthly Saturday morning community Breakfast, Food Truck, and numerous other events. She especially enjoyed the partnership the church shared with Palmer Elementary School and one of her favorite nights of the year was the school’s “Night of Giving” in December. Her most recent joy was her grandchildren. She loved them mightily and took huge pleasure in creating fun and lasting experiences for them. She will be dearly missed by many, including her close knit group of friends often called “The Goddesses.” She was a dear friend, a wonderful daughter, a loving mother, a giving grandmother, and an adoring wife. Family will greet friends and relatives on Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at O’Brien Eggebeen Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 27 at 11 AM at First Park Congregational Church, 10 East Park Place NE, Grand Rapids, Rev. Maurice Fetty officiating, with visitation one hour prior. Memorial contributions can be made in Patricia’s name to VHL Alliance, 2001 Beacon Street, Suite 208, Boston, MA 02135, www.vhl.org
8 Responses
Somewhere around May 1973 there was a letter in our local newspaper that some family’s were needed for hosting some Foreign Exchange Students from the United States. We were the lucky ones to have Patricia DeMeester from Ludington, MI in our family as a loving American sister and another daughter for my parents. From that time on there have been several trips from her Dutch family to the States where we always have been welcomed as family. Our last trip was last year April 2019. We had a wonderful time with tears and laughter, it felt so good again to hug you again but saying goodbye was so difficult.
Just after Christmas I had you on the phone and you were tired, but so happy you could have been at home on Christmas day. Yesterday on Willem his birthday we were talking about you and I said I would call you this evening. But than the message came you passed away dearest Pat, such a wonderful lady with a big and loving heart. We as your whole Dutch family have been blessed having you in our family and you will be dearly missed. Now I will send my blowing kisses to heaven! Thank you for beeing my sister now and Always!
Cousin Greg, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family ❤
My heartfelt condolences to the Trowbridge family. I had the pleasure of having this remarkable woman as my neighbor for over 20 years. What stands out is her kindness, humor, thoughtfulness, offers of help and her LAUGH!! I sure will miss you Pat! So will Matt!
David, Valerie and all, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you find peace in her comfort.
We met Pat in the summer of 73 in the Netherlands while she was staying at my parents en sister Ria.
She was a young and nice girl enjoying her stay here, but when she is playing soccer on wooden shoes she was dangerious !
When she was back in de US she surprised us severel times with cards and little gifts from Ludington and other places.
We keep her in memory as a wonderfull, warm person and our condolences are for Greg, David, Valerie, Brian, granddaughters, grandson and Mom.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Trowbridge family. I can’t think of Pat without seeing her wide smile and hearing her hearty and welcoming hello. Peace and love to you at this time and always.
Cousin Greg and family, I am so sorry to hear about Pat. I remember how sweet she was. I know she will be missed deeply.
We want to transfer our condoleances to Greg, David, Valerie, Brian, granddaughters, grandson and Mom, we didn’t know Patricia very well, but we did hear how great she was, we wish you a lot of strength to bear this loss