Patti G. Petersen
August 20, 1955 – December 11, 2020
A memorial may be scheduled when gatherings are once again safe. In honor of her love for animals memorial contributions may be made in Patti’s memory to SPCA of Southwest Michigan, c/o the funeral home or on their website at https://www.spcaswmich.org.
Obituary
Patti G. Petersen of Kalamazoo passed away on December 11, 2020. Patti was born August 20, 1955 in Kalamazoo, MI, the daughter of Donald and Lillian (Perkins) Elkins. Patti graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1973 and was wed to Michael A. Petersen on January 24th, 1975. They had two daughters, Jamie and Lacy. Patti was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and caregiver. She loved animals and provided sanctuary for countless stray animals throughout her life. She was a hard worker who was employed by Kalamazoo Public Schools where she developed countless long-term friendships and impacted many young lives throughout her career. Patti remained a staple within the KPS System throughout her retirement. She loved her family and enjoyed doting on her Grandson, Oliver, while maintaining her lifelong policy of an open home where family and friends were welcomed to drop in. Throughout her life, Patti remained an integral hub of stability and support for both her family and her community. Surviving Patti are her daughters Jamie Raymond & Lacy (Sean) Wallace; grandson, Oliver Raymond & his father Jeremy Raymond; siblings, Sharon (James) Staley, Beverly McKinney, Jerry Elkins, and a large extended family.
My heartfelt condolences for Jamie, Oliver and the whole family. Lois Jeffers
Patti was a kind and wonderful person who lit up the room with her energy. Sending love and light to the entire family.
I’m so very sorry for your loss! Please except my deepest condolences. Praying for peace and comfort for your entire family!
Patti has dealt with me from the beginning of my teaching career. Since I’ve been in charge of the school play, improv team, Forensics, and Debate we saw each other all the time and she quickly shaped my \’whirlwind\’ nature in managing budgets, handling paperwork, and setting dates to a well-oiled & trained machine (although it may leak at times). She was there to set me straight and get me back on track. She could be abrupt, and that look she would give me IF you weren\’t on her page (priceless)….. sent you straight back to the drawing board; yet, despite being re-directed by Patti over and over, she had a soft side and she melted like butter when it came to her children and grandchild. One of her daughter\’s paintings hung up in the office right behind her and it was a badge of honor, and when asked about her family, she opened up like sunshine talking about her children\’s accomplishments and the time she spent with her grandson. I did a children\’s play production a few years back called \”Wiley and the Hairyman\” and one of the most compelling compliments I received was Patti telling me how engaged and amazed Oliver was during the show, that the two of them had such a wonderful time together, and that he and her would always remember that moment. Patti you will be greatly missed, love to you and your family!
I am so sorry to hear this. Heaven gained a great lady! Sending HUGS for Jamie and Lacy
Patti has dealt with me from the beginning of my teaching career. Since I’ve been in charge of the school play, improv team, Forensics, and Debate we saw each other all the time and she quickly shaped my ‘whirlwind’ nature in managing budgets, handling paperwork, and setting dates to a well-oiled & trained machine (although it may leak at times). She was there to set me straight and get me back on track. She could be abrupt, and that look she would give me IF you weren’t on her page (priceless)….. sent you straight back to the drawing board; yet, despite being re-directed by Patti over and over, she had a soft side and she melted like butter when it came to her children and grandchild. One of her daughter’s paintings hung up in the office right behind her and it was a badge of honor, and when asked about her family, she opened up like sunshine talking about her children\’s accomplishments and the time she spent with her grandson. I did a children’s play production a few years back called “Wiley and the Hairyman” and one of the most compelling compliments I received was Patti telling me how engaged and amazed Oliver was during the show, that the two of them had such a wonderful time together, and that he and her would always remember that moment. Patti you will be greatly missed, love to you and your family.
Patti and I started working at K Central around the same time, and she used to be right around the corner from me, so I would stop by often to get help or simply chat. She was a “work mom” to me, helping me keep track of all the expectations and rules and regulations. I was privileged to have one daughter in my class and she was a delight. Obviously loved and well raised. Patti had more smiles than it seemed her job would deem necessary, but also the image of business when needed. My world is emptier without her around.
I am sorry to her about Patti! Her family has my heart felt condolences. Patti and I grew up together. We went from kindergarten all the way thru high school. And then we lost track of each other. I always had a soft spot for Patti. I always will. Again the family has my condolences.
Patti was my classmate at Norrix. She was every high school boy’s dream girl, so gorgeous and a truly lovely person. I am so sad to see of her passing, and send my love and heartfelt condolences to her family. RIP , beautiful lady.