Patricia A Perigo

Patricia “Pat” Perigo May 21, 1934-February 13, 2020 Visitation: Sunday, Feb. 23, 5:00-8:00 PM, Bethel UCC Celebration of Life Memorial Service: Monday, Feb. 24, 10:00 AM, Bethel UCC, 3029 Green River Rd. Evansville, IN Pat was born May 21, 1934 in Evansville, IN to the late Arthur and Ilyne (Allen) Porter. A graduate of Bosse High School and the Deaconess School of Nursing, she was a nurse in Dr. Young’s office until she started her family with her beloved husband, Jim Perigo. Pat and Jim were blessed with 62 years of marriage until Jim’s death in 2018. Together they formed a loving team of mutual support. Pat sustained Jim in his business and philanthropic endeavors. She was the nurturing and guiding force in raising four children. As the children grew and married, she embraced their spouses with open arms and love. With a special place in her heart for children, she joyfully welcomed her 10 grandchildren and later 15 great-grandchildren. Pat created a home that welcomed friends and her extended family of nieces and nephews-making holidays jubilant affairs bursting with family members and wonderful food. Pat was a life-long member of Bethel United Church of Christ. She sang in the church choir and held several leadership positions: chairing committees, teaching children and adult Sunday School, and serving as President of the Church Council. Pat worked with Bethel's Pastor to provide the Friendship Ministries program. She cared for the children of young mothers so they could attend Bible Study and taught the young women how to bathe and feed their infants and toddlers. Later, she supported Jim and others in bringing Habitat for Humanity to Evansville by chairing the Family Selection team. Although perceived as a quiet person, she had a passion for equity and justice for all of God’s people. Pat held in disdain any divisions that created an “us” and “them” mentality. Pat was an avid reader and loved to travel. She and Jim frequently took their children to Siesta Key, FL-a vacation spot that became a favorite for each generation. When the four children were teenagers, the family traveled to Europe. Later, Pat and Jim traveled the world-often with their dear friends. Her four children survive Pat: Deborah (Mike) Vannatter, Jay (Cindy) Perigo, Joan (Bob) English and Stuart (Brenda) Perigo. She was adored by her grandchildren: Matthew Perigo, Paul Vannatter, Kacie (Chris) Whiteley, Jacob English, Sarah (Brian) Keith, Emily Schuff, Haley (Chris) Schmitt, Reide Perigo, Derek (Kelly) Perigo, and Kyle Perigo. Great grand-children fondly remember their Grandma Pat: Keegan English, Nathan Perigo, Lexi Perigo, Kahra Schmitt, Ryland Whiteley, Kolton Schuff, Kiyonna Kemp, Eislin Whiteley, Dylan Whiteley, Kainen Schmitt, India Vannatter, Keslee Kemp, Eliza Schuff, Nyla Schmitt, and Trace Schmitt. Pat is also survived by her beloved brother, Charles Allen (Sandy) Porter, sister-in law Mary (Fred) Johnson and many loving nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Bethel Helping Hand Fund or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.