Patricia Kelly Rapp

Patricia (Patty) Kelly Rapp, 79, left this life on April 26, 2022. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Michael D. Rapp; son, Timothy A. Rapp; grandchildren, Giana C. Rapp and Skyler M. Rapp; and relatives and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary M. Kelly and Lance G. Kelly and two sons, Christopher K. Rapp and Eric M. Rapp.

Patty was born in Detroit, Michigan and met Mike at the University of Michigan where they were students. After Mike’s graduation and commissioning in the U.S. Navy, she and Mike were married on her 20th birthday. For the next 27 years, she accompanied Mike to various duty stations within and outside the United States sharing in the joys and tribulations of a Navy wife and making an invaluable contribution to his successful Navy career, while nurturing their three sons. Their marriage was enriched by their love, mutual respect and fun time together. One of Patty’s greatest pleasures was the time she could spend with her grandchildren.

During those Navy years, Patty furthered her education, earning a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Hawaii and a Master of Arts degree from Old Dominion University. She then was employed in ODU’s English Language Center as a Lecturer and later as Assistant Director.

Patty was a long-time member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach. Before her church activities were constrained by the pandemic and the progressive illness that resulted in her death, she participated in the Flower Guild, the Healing Prayer Ministry, the Green Team (addressing environment concerns) and the Faith in Fiction Book club.

She will be remembered by her relatives and her many friends for her bright smile, her optimism and her compassion.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 5181 Singleton Way, in Virginia Beach on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Building Fund.