Patricia L. Ray-Papa
July 31, 1940 – February 3, 2020
Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
The family will hold a private service at a later date.
Obituary
Patricia Ray-Papa, of Royal Oak, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2020, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Patricia was born in Chicago, IL, on July 31, 1940, the eldest daughter of Charles and Frances Ray. She graduated from MacKenzie High School before marrying former husband and friend, Victor Zywicki, in 1959. They were blessed with two children. In 1995 Patricia married Ronald Papa, and remained happily married until his passing in 2004. Patricia enjoyed time with her family above all else. She also was an avid reader, loved time with her friends, knitting, and cuddling her two cats. Patricia is survived by her mother; by her brothers Robert (Mira), Steve (Janet), David, and Timothy (Tish); sons Victor (Pat) and Christopher (Theresa); grandchildren Trent (Courtney), Rochelle, Victor, and Joseph. Patricia\'s children would like to express their gratitude to all the caring staff at Park Village Pines and Crystal Woods. Family will gather privately to celebrate a life well lived. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, c/o the funeral home. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.
It was so nice to see you in December! We love you so much and will miss you.
Our sincerest condolences to the family. May you find comfort in knowing she is at peace. Prayers to all. Dr. Estupigan, and staff
So many, many years of friendship and fun. We knew each other so well and shared so much together. Fortunate I am to have such wonderful, fond memories to hold dear—movies, favorite restaurants, adventures, a love of cats and animals, holiday celebrations and aways keeping in touch with each other “like sisters.” Your business, “Artistic Expressions” was perfectly named as your talents and creativity were remarkable in so many genres—florals, interior design, personal style or lending your aesthetic eye to share with others. I learned so much from you, Patricia. Thank you for being such an important, special part of my life which I will treasure forever. You will be missed by many but I know you are now at peace and with your beloved Ron. Hugs and love to you.
I saw the notice of Pat’s death on the Mackenzie High web-site. I knew her mostly from church. She was a few years older than I. Back in those days and at those ages, a couple years made a huge difference. It’s always sad to hear of an acquaintances’ passing, but more so when it was someone you were very fond of. Such is the case here. I was very fond of Pat and will remember her as a nice person and a very classy Lady.
We remember Patty from the early days of our marriage and the birth of our and their first born sons. We lived as neighbors and the girls shared new toddler experiences. We got together as couples and well remember her and Vic and his sense of humor and her organization and creativity. She was so cute! At Patty’s suggestion we four created an oil painting together with no particular theme except it appeared to have a sun in it. We wonder if it still exists. Their moves with Kresge brought her strong willed qualities out. Creative decorating in each new house. Her self-taught decorating skills were really impressive. We had a few intermittent contacts with her in later years. But for us those early formative years are the fondest and we remember her with love. God bless. Bob and Priscilla Pettengill Brighton, Michigan