Patricia Lee Iseman

Patty grew up in Lee's Summit, Missouri, and graduated from Lee's Summit High School. She attended William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri, for one year before beginning her career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. It was there that she met Jim Iseman, and they married in June 1959.

Patty and Jim raised four children—Jeff, Greg (Lisa), Kristy (Mike McGinley), and Tim (Sharon). While living in Lee's Summit, their children attended Our Lady of the Presentation School, where Patty was actively involved in both the school and parish council.

In 1976, the family moved to a 20-acre property near Baldwin City, Kansas, where Patty embraced country living. She tended an enormous garden that produced an abundance of fruits and vegetables for her family to enjoy. She also cared for a lively assortment of farm animals, including a beloved pet pig, miniature goats, chickens, rabbits, and ducks. The Baldwin City years were filled with family activities, her children's sports endeavors, and family gatherings with friends. Patty could often be found cheering from the sidelines, supporting her children in their many endeavors, or hosting team dinners that welcomed her children's friends and teammates into her home.

Patty's professional life reflected her dedication and strong work ethic. She served as secretary at Baldwin High School before moving to Overland Park in 1984. She then began working for the Shawnee Mission School District as an in-school suspension supervisor at Shawnee Mission East High School. Through hard work and commitment, she advanced to become Administrative Assistant to the Associate Superintendent. She retired in 2003 after more than 20 years of service in the district.

Retirement did not slow Patty down. Soon afterward, she began working part-time from home for her daughter and son-in-law's family business until 2019. Her final career was managing the store at Park Meadows Senior Independent Living, for ten years.

Patty leaves behind her four children and their spouses; eight grandchildren, Matthew (Darcy), Ryan, Michelle, Melissa (Tanner), Shannon McGinley, Erin McGinley, Ariel, and Eden; and four great-grandchildren, Charlee, Uma, Marly, and Mila.

Grandma Patty was an excellent cook whose recipes will continue to be prepared and enjoyed for generations to come. She was also a talented crafter who mastered sewing, crewel embroidery, needlepoint, cross-stitch, and knitting. She was never afraid to try something new.

A football fan, Patty especially enjoyed cheering for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. She rarely missed a game and would gladly choose football over just about anything else on television. She also loved Hallmark movies, particularly during the COVID years when residents were confined to their rooms at Park Meadows. Those stories, with their predictable warmth and happy endings, were a welcome respite from the gloomy news of the day.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and staff of Park Meadows, Saint Luke's, Claridge Court, and especially Village Shalom. After suffering a stroke in the spring of 2023, Patty made her final move to Village Shalom, where she spent the remainder of her days. Despite her physical limitations, she maintained her independence and sense of adventure via her wheelchair. Twice she managed to almost make her way to the parking lot in her wheelchair, much to the surprise of the staff, prompting the addition of a wander alarm to her chair. In her final year, one of her favorite destinations was the nursing supervisor's office, where an abundant supply of treats, including her favorite, Twinkies—could always be found. One nursing supervisor affectionately nicknamed her the "Princess of Village Shalom." In her final day many staff members stopped in to say a tearful goodbye. Included in that were admin, nursing care, food staff, maintenance, and therapists. She made a lot of people smile at Village Shalom even with her limited ability to communicate, and they shared many funny stories.

To her caregivers: Your compassion, kindness, and dedication enriched Patty's life and brought comfort to her family. We have tremendous respect and admiration for those who care for the elderly, and we are forever grateful for the support you provide.

Patty will be remembered for making people laugh, her resilience as a single woman supporting herself for more than 40 years, and her ability to make a house feel like a home. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved the traditions she created, and the countless lives she touched along the way.

To honor Patty, and in lieu of flowers, hug your mom and dad or grandma and grandpa today if you are able. Spend time with them and let them know they are valued and loved. Or volunteer at a senior living facility. And please thank the wonderful people who care for our elderly, because someday many of us will depend on their kindness as well.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO on Tuesday, August 11 from 2-4 p.m with family comments at 3 pm.