Patricia Harper

Patricia Anne McPhilamy Harper, known to many as “Patsy” passed away on Saturday morning, July 1, 2017 in Holland, Michigan at age 88. Under the care of Hospice of Holland, she (Mom) peacefully passed from this world to the next surrounded by her two sons Mark Lawrence Harper and Gary Rick Harper, both of Grand Rapids, Michigan and her daughter Juli Renee Harper, of Tampa, Florida as well as her trusty black Pug named “Arnie”.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Wingeier Harper who died from lung cancer on July 10, 1994 in their Grand Rapids home. She is survived by her three children, Mark, Rick and Juli. Also her grandchildren, Heather Rae and Scott Horst, Aaron Mark Harper, Joshua Mark Harper and Gary Rick Harper Jr. as well as her great-grandchildren Emily, Sarah and Nathan Horst.

A professional dancer whose career began at age six and continued through high school and college, Pat began teaching dance from her basement and all throughout Grand Rapids. She taught dance and movement to children with severe physical handicaps and became a pre-school teacher and director of her own Child Learning Center.

At age 50, she continued her education and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Aquinas College followed by her Master’s Degree from Grand Valley State University. She served as a principal in various Catholic schools before retiring in June of 1994 from St. Stephen’s Catholic School in Grand Rapids.

Pat moved into her dream retirement home in Holland, Michigan where she spent the next 22 ‘happy years’. All who came to know Pat were assured of her passion for life and her love and affection for all of God’s children.

A celebration of her life (in her honor) will be held at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James Street, Holland, Michigan 49424 at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 10th.

Donations may be made in Pat’s honor to: Hospice of Holland, Inc. 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423

https://hollandhospice.org/giving/

Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com to leave a message or memory for the Harper family.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen