Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Patricia Blondet

August 14, 1944 - September 29, 2021
Kalamazoo, MI

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Life Story Visitation

Friday, October 29, 2021
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Where food, drinks and stories will be shared.

Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

SPCA of SW Michigan
6955 West KL Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When reflecting on the life of Patricia Blondet, it is easy to see the strength, resilience, and resourcefulness that is woven throughout her vibrant journey. She worked hard for everything she had, and she was a firm believer in the notion that doing something was worth doing it right. A more devoted mother would be hard to find, and Patricia just might have argued that becoming a grandmother was her greatest gift. In even the simple things, she was able to find the beauty and bought just the right amount of fun, too. Life will never be the same without Patricia here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

During the first half of the 1940s, our eyes were focused overseas as WWII was front and center. Countless young American men and women had answered the call to serve, and back home rationing on common goods like canned goods, coffee, paper, and rubber became a way of life. It was as the heat of the summer held the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, firmly in its grip in 1944 that Marlie and Vivian (Burnham) Smith were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was finally over when the baby girl they named Patricia drew her first breath on August 14th that year. She was the youngest of three as she was raised in the family home alongside her older sisters, Joan and Marlene. Patricia’s father worked hard to provide for their family, and her mother was also a nurse.

In many ways, Patricia was a young woman of her generation. Some of her favorite times were spent at Silver Lake in Mears during the summer. Silver Lake would always hold a special place in Patricia’s heart for the rest of her life. As a student she attended local schools, and she graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1962.

Life was forever changed for Patricia when she became acquainted with a young man who lived in the same neighborhood named Robert Schneider. They married in time, and together they were blessed with the births of two children, Ron in 1965 and Pam in 1966. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, Patricia was forever grateful for the children they shared.

Patricia made raising her children as a single mom seem easy. While spending much of her time working, she was also able to be a fun and loving mom. Patricia somehow just made it all work. In fact, her kids even described her as a “bad ass!’ Since she was working during the day, meals were quick and easy. Yet, Patricia did find the time to make homemade cinnamon rolls and apple dumplings. Although extra money was in short supply, she did take the kids to Michigan Adventure for a day of fun. Precious family memories were also made at her parents’ house at Scott Lake in Van Buren County. Patricia loved any time spent with family including times spent with her sisters and their families. Christmas was memorable for Patricia’s kids every year as they always went to her parents’ house for their traditional spaghetti dinner among many other festivities.

One of the things that Patricia was known for was her strong work ethic, and she also took great pride in taking care of the things she owned. She spent more than 20 years working in the retirement department for National City Bank where she appreciated both her job and the people she worked with. As someone who enjoyed baking, she was known for bringing in various treats and goodies for everyone to share together. Retirement didn’t slow Patricia down any as she kept just as busy even though she was no longer with the bank. For years she owned a couple of townhouses that she rented out, and she took great care in being a responsible and reliable landlord. These townhouses kept Patricia busy, but never too busy to miss out on spending time with her grandchildren. She was thrilled to be blessed with three grandchildren, and her passion was doting on them as much as possible.

Throughout her life Patricia had many interests that also helped keep her busy. She was a talented seamstress who made many clothes for her daughter during her younger years. She loved baking, but Patricia really loved decorating cakes for family, especially her grandchildren, as well as coworkers. Using her time and talent to bless others in this way was something Patricia genuinely looked forward to. Something her family and friends loved about her was her ability to be genuine, real, and loyal - even if she could be a bit strong willed at times when it came to something she was passionate about.

As her family and friends can attest, there were so many things that made Patricia Blondet such an extraordinary person. She always told her kids, “Life is short, eat your dessert first,” and Patricia really lived her life with this in mind. She taught her kids what it means to work hard for the things they have and then to appreciate them, too, all by the way she lived her life. Patricia will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Patricia Blondet, age 77, of Kalamazoo died on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Members of Patricia’s family include her 2 children: Ron and his wife Kelly Schneider of Portage and Pam Hinson of Schoolcraft; 3 grandchildren: Devin, Emily and Noah. Patricia was preceded in death by her sisters Joan and Marlene and her son-in-law Phillip Hinson. Cremation has taken place. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks and stories will be shared on Friday (October 29) from 5-7 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Visit Patricia’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of SW Michigan.

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