Patricia Isabel Nugen

In September of 1935, Patricia was born to Donald B. and Isabel Dawson (Shanks) in Butler, MO.

While in high school, Patricia met and later married the love of her life, Stephen Wesley Nugen on September 05, 1953. They began their family soon after by welcoming their first five children by the time Patricia was twenty-five.

Patricia was an avid lover of music, especially classical and Opera, and performed in several stage musicals and plays around the Kansas City metro area. She retired from performing in the late 1970's after she and Steve adopted four young children, welcoming them with open arms.

In addition to singing, Patricia had a love of animals and farming. The “Nugen Farm” had several animals (most considered as pets), as well as a spacious garden, used to feed her large family. Patricia loved baking bread on her antique wood stove, making home churned butter from the cream of her milk cow Blossom, and canning fresh vegetables and fruits from her garden.

Upon Stephen’s retirement, the couple began their next journey and purchased an RV spending 6 years traveling to some of the most picturesque locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. She and Stephen eventually settled down in Las Cruces, NM and a few years later, moved to Overland Park, KS to be closer to family and to live out the rest of their lives surrounded by their loved ones.

Patricia is preceded in death by her soulmate and husband of 70 years, Stephen, as well as Nancy (daughter), Stephen Mark (son), Diane (sister), her parents (Donald and Isabel), and her adored milk cow, Blossom.

Survived by many friends and family who loved her, Patricia will be remembered by her children, Laurie Lynn Osipik (Darryl), Julie Diane Newell (Henry), Erin Denise Horner, Kara Le Cooke (André), Scott Wesley Nugen, P. Nicole Nugen, Matthew David Nugen (Kai), her daughter-in-law Debbie Nugen, and many wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life for Patricia at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 12, at Mount Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131, (816) 942-2004.

In memory of Patricia, flowers or flora may be sent to Mount Moriah Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131, (816) 942-2004. Alternatively, a donation may be made in Patricia’s honor to the American Breast Cancer Foundation. https://www.abcf.org/beat-breast-cancer/

Though our hearts are heavy, we choose to remember Patricia for her unconditional love, appreciation of the small things, and the impact she had on everyone who knew her. She will be cherished forever.

“Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death” (Isaiah 57:2).