Patricia Wenting

A moment wasted is a moment we can never get back, but much worse it is a moment for which we will have nothing to show. Patricia Patty" Wenting devoted her time to her family, faith, and friends, so that each moment she was given was used to benefit someone else. Whether she was volunteering at her church, or traveling with her sister, Patty made sure that she made the most of her time here. With a generous spirit, a loving heart, and a smile on her face, she made a difference in the lives of her family and friends, and an impression on their hearts that will last a lifetime. Pattys story began on a warm spring day in 1932, in Muskegon, Michigan. Those were such dark days in this country, caught in the teeth of the Great Depression, with little hope for better days ahead. Peter and Josephine (Wenting) Dexter, living in Muskegon, were the parents of a little girl named Margaret and in 1932 were planning for the birth of their second child. Peter worked as a contractor and Josephine was devastated when he died, three months before their second baby was born. When baby number two did arrive, Josephine named her Patricia Josephine. Although Josephine remarried, she still worked outside the home to help support her family, and owned the Shermac Soda Grill for many years. Patty and her sister had a great time together growing up. They lived across the street from a large hill and in the winter would slide down it and in the summer, they would simply roll down it. Their cousins Julie, Betty, Mary and Billy lived close by and did just about everything together. Life was simpler then and the gang had great fun playing in the creek, exploring the water in a boat, jumping in the hayloft and just walking in the woods by Lake Michigan. It was usually just the girls but sometimes they would let cousin Billy tag along. After her schooling, Patty began her career as a secretary for the Catholic Central School Systems. From there, she moved to Washington, D.C., working for the Governor for a brief period. She finished her career at the Kaydon Corporation in her hometown of Muskegon, where she worked as a secretary for 33 years. But Patty did much more than just work. Margaret remembers that while growing up, she and Patty had many chickens, ducks and dogs around, and they named them all. Perhaps not so much with the chickens and ducks, but the love of dogs stayed with Patty all her life. She had many canine companions during her 76 years and they had great times together walking and playing. She had a gardeners green thumb and was quite the expert at growing beautiful hibiscus. Patty loved to travel and was always ready to go, go go!! Her usual travel companion was her beloved sister, Margaret, or Margie. For over eleven years, they went to balmy Key West, and especially enjoyed Mallory Square, where the sun sets and the fun begins. Patty was a real camera bug and took many, many pictures while in Key West. One year they even saw dolphins, and stingrays swam right by the pier. Key West is a colorful place and the two ladies often sat just to watch the street people or look at the lighthouses. But the highlight of each day was the beautiful sunset, bringing another beautiful day in paradise to a close. Even the lighthouses of Michigan held an interest for these travelers and they often bragged that they had climbed into eleven of them around the state. Land attractions were also a favorite destination, especially zoos. Wherever they went, with Margie driving and Patty navigating, they had to find and visit the local zoo. Even when getting around meant using a wheelchair, Patty was ready to go. She was always ready for whatever adventures life had to offer. Like the cousins in her youth, Patty had a special group of adult friends, which included her sister of course and her two good friends Diane and Ruth. Each year they made plans for their annual Mystery Trip, creating many wonderful memories. Family, friends and faith. That was what Patty was all about. Although she never married, she loved being an aunt and spending time with Margies son Bob. She was a member of the Prince of Peace church and could often be seen volunteering at their many activities. On the day Patty died, she had been out in her yard in the morning, saying hi to neighbors. Later, she let her corgi Minnie Magoo outside to play in the yard. Patty went back inside to sit on the couch to rest and died peacefully in her sleep. Ironically, her cousin Julie from the days of creeks and haylofts died just two hours later. Although Pattys family will miss her dearly, they can rejoice knowing that she has been called home where she will spend eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Miss Patricia Josephine Wenting, died Saturday, August 2, 2008. She is survived by her sister, Margie (William) Laird; nephew, Bob Laird; cousins, Clarissa (Gerald) Wheeler, Julie (White) Langlois (who died within 2 hours of Patty's passing); Patty's dog, Minnie Magoo and too many close friends to name. Services will be Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 11 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, visitation 1 hour prior beginning at 10:00 AM with Fr. Robert Hart officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Harbor Hospice or American Heart Association. Please visit Pattys personal; memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Muskegon