Pat Blais

On Sunday, March 23rd, Pat (Dexterhouse) Blais passed away after brief illness. Born in Muskegon on October 12, 1930, to the late William and Audrey Dexterhouse she was pre-deceased by her brothers Bill and W. Robert Dexterhouse. For 30 years she was married to George A. Blais, they lived 26 years in Kankakee, IL. They had six children: Benjamin, Erin, Jane, Matthew, Daniel, and Lynne. After George's death Patricia returned to Spring Lake. In addition to her six children she also leaves 11 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. In 1990 she married the late Harry Forber and will be missed by his three children and 7 grandchildren. Pat's lifelong passion was golf; she won numerous club championships, was past president of the Kankakee Country Club ladies golf committee, was a member of Grand Haven's Ladies Golf Club and the Women's Western Michigan Golf Association where she won low-gross champion. In the 1970's Pat entered her artwork in various exhibitions, winning prizes with her specialty in pastel portraits, and simple country scenes. She was an avid reader, enjoyed nature, animals, sewing and playing bridge. She was active in her churches: at St. Martin of Tours in Kankakee; in Spring Lake she belonged to St. Mary's, was past president of its ladies association. She initiated and developed St. Mary's emergency prayer chain. Pat will be remembered for her kindness and welcoming spirit, her accomplishments and creative energy. There will be a funeral Mass for Pat at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake on Wednesday, March 26th at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers for those who prefer, donations may be made to the church or to Harbor Hospice, Muskegon.