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THE FAMILY ASKS THAT EVERYONE WEAR A FACE MASK
Patricia Mae Bubness (nee Kooy) passed away peacefully in her sleep at home surrounded by the love of her family on May 26th after a courageous yet protracted treatment for pancreatic cancer. Patty is survived by her husband and best friend William Michael Bubness. Her beloved three children and their spouses - Matthew Bubness and Megan Vandehey; Allison and Frank Clous; and Zachary Bubness and Laura Daly. Her dear mother Nelvina Mae Kooy (nee Zeilenga). And most importantly, her mutually adoring grandsons, William and Aidan Bubness, Greysen and Harrison Clous and Abram and Aris Daly-Bubness.
Patty was preceded in death by eight days by her cherished father Robert Kooy. Also preceding her in death were her dear uncle Paul Kooy, grandparents Clarence and Kate Kooy and grandparents Peter and Henrietta Zeilenga. She was looking forward to rejoining these family members and many other dearly departed family members and friends in heaven to be pain free and have fun, as described by her own words.
Patty and Bill were supported throughout her illness by the love and support of her family, friends and also their church family at the First United Methodist Church in Lowell, IN.
Patty was born on April 3, 1954 in Chicago Heights, IL. She was raised on her parent’s farm outside Peotone, IL with her loved siblings, including Don (Val) Kooy, Darrell (Michelle) Kooy, Jim (Debby) Kooy, and Cindy (Mark) Ipema. Patty’s love of farming and gardening was fostered at a young age with the crops and animals her parents raised – a joy that continued throughout her life and one that she readily shared and promoted with her family and friends.
Married for 47 years, Patty and Bill met on a blind date after being introduced by Patty's cousin, who worked with Bill at UPS. Patty and Bill built their first home together shortly after marriage in Beecher, IL. Patty's farm girl upraising led to the planting of a large apple orchard, fields of strawberries, Christmas trees and large vegetable gardens. After 15 years in Beecher, IL, Patty and Bill, now with their three children, built their second home on a beautiful lot on the edge of a woods outside of Lowell, IN.
Patty continued her passion for gardening with ample space for large gardens and her favorite tomatoes and also furthering her love of landscaping by planting endless beds of wildflowers around her family’s new home. Her passion for flowers turned into a stint in drying and arranging flowers. As her children grew, Patty also started cleaning houses – which fit naturally into her passion for organizing and making things just so. More than just cleaning their houses, the people she helped became lifelong friends as well. This was representative of who Patty was in helping, caring and loving everyone she met and became close with throughout her wonderful life.
Patty loved her large extended family – and was the host of many birthday parties and other family gatherings, particularly winter sledding parties. She also made sure that any family member or friend who did not have a place to go for a holiday were welcome and included for any gathering – a testament to her big heart and love for all she cherished.
After Patty raised her children and saw them all through college and into their careers – she had an intense desire to become a grandmother. This was fulfilled after all of her children married their spouses within a year’s time span and shortly thereafter made her a grandmother – a role which she passionately and enthusiastically filled. Her six grandchildren followed in rapid succession with one new grandson being welcomed yearly. Patty and Bill (now retired from UPS) tackled this next stage in life with a new career in babysitting and providing day care for a number of their grandsons – a role which brought them so close to their precious grandsons. Patty and Bill’s house is a testament to this love for their grandsons filled with pictures and so many toys.
Patty’s life was filled with love and caring for her family and friends. While she will be forever missed by all who knew her – none of us will ever forget the love, kindness, passion and fun in which she approached and tackled every aspect of life and lived every moment to the fullest extent possible.
Visitation, Friday, 4-8PM at Sheets Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 604 E. Commercial Ave, Lowell, IN. Funeral Service, Saturday, 11AM, Visit from 10-11AM, at First United Methodist Church, 520 E. Commercial Ave, Lowell, IN. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Church household goods fund or a food pantry of your choice. www.sheetsfuneral.com
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