Patricia Ann Bouwhuis

Patricia Ann Bouwhuis, age 91, passed away on May 20, 2025. Pat was born on December 5, 1933 in Staten Island, New York to John & Margaret (Leonard) Heaney. She fondly remembered her roots in New York and visited often to be with family.

After graduating from St. Peter High School for Girls, Pat attended Hunter College for one semester because of her young age and then went on to Flower Fifth Avenue for nursing school. She spent over 40 years working as an RN, starting at Marine Hospital on Staten Island, and retiring from St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.

It was as a nurse in April of 1954 that Pat crossed paths with James Bouwhuis in New York City. In a short span of time he went from being her patient to being her husband. After a six month courtship they married on October 16, 1954 and moved to Jim’s’ home town of Grand Rapids. Their love grew quick, but true, and they shared more than 50 beautiful years together. Their family also grew to include nine children.

As Pat’s family grew, so did her community of friends and neighbors. She touched many people’s lives, and whether you called her Pat, Mom, Grandma, GGBo or Mrs. Bo, she made you feel special. She had an uncanny ability to remember birthdays, anniversaries and other important happenings in the lives of others, oftentimes making them smile with her singing “Happy Birthday” phone calls. Pat loved being with others, whether it was at family events and parties, playing cards and games, dancing and singing, or rooting on her team. Who hasn’t heard her play a recording of the Notre Dame fight song after a score? At these gatherings conversation with her was easy and punctuated by laughter. Lots of laughter…and some white wine, of course. In quieter moments Pat enjoyed sitting with her feet up and something nearby to read: the Sunday paper, the latest book on her iPad, or perhaps a prayer book and mass cards. She also looked forward to long, heartfelt phone conversations with those she couldn’t visit in person. Through all this, one thing remained constant: she was a nurse at heart till the very end, her care and concern for others always shining through.

A woman of great faith, Pat was an active member of St. Jude Church and School. Over the years she has a been a room mother, worked in the school kitchen, and until recently was still involved with the funeral luncheon committee.

Pat is survived by her children: James (Jacqueline) Bouwhuis, Kathy (Ron) Morgan, Mary (Pete) Lewandoski, Patty Bouwhuis, Kevin (Karen) Bouwhuis, Brian (Mary) Bouwhuis, John (Gina) Bouwhuis, Tim (Denise) Bouwhuis and Bernie (Tina) Bouwhuis; 37 Grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; her brother John Heaney; her sister Margaret Borg; brothers-in-law Richard and Gerald Bouwhuis and sisters-in-law Vera and Jackie Bouwhuis, as well as many other relatives.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, James, her brother Michael Heaney and sister Barbara Houri.

Visitation for Pat will be held on Thursday May 29, 2025 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where a Rosary will be said at 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday May 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at. Jude Catholic Church where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

Memorial Donations may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church or Ship of Hope.