Patricia Kelley Nequist passed away at the age of 81, on August 11, 2012 with her family and blessed caretakers at her side.

She was born to William M. and Freda I. (Swanquist) Kelley in Sparta, MI on September 15, 1930. Patricia was an energetic child who became a spirited Sparta High School band majorette. She married her high school sweetheart John L. Nequist in 1950. As her husband served in the Air Force and proceeded to the University of Michigan, Pat worked in administration. In 1961, they started a family in Battle Creek, MI. Pat was a very loving, dedicated and supportive Mother of two children. She also found the time to volunteer for the United Way and assisted in launching a fund raising campaign that would establish the Y Center of Battle Creek as we know it today. Most every weekend and summer vacations were spent at their Lake Michigan beach house in South Haven, MI. It was there that Pat acquired the title of ‘Mom’ to many of her children’s friends and lifeguards on the North beach. Pat even found herself operating and managing a quaint lakeside convenience/beer and wine store that she and John owned for a brief time. In 1986 Pat’s children were graduating from college and establishing careers, which she decided to do as well. She accepted a prestigious position at Western Michigan University as the Executive Secretary to the Director of Financial Aid. Upon her retirement she enjoyed volunteering with Senior Services in Kalamazoo, MI. In the year 2000 she settled into the wonderful retirement life at Freedom Village in Holland, MI.

Pat loved to relax and enjoy a good book. She liked to share a game of backgammon and adored chatting with family, friends and in the last few years her ‘dining table partners’. She loved to have her children and grandchildren visit and glowed with the compliments paid to them. Pat always had a cheerful smile, constant laughter, positive outlook and come to find out, a very strong will. She has touched the hearts of so many people.

Patricia will be greatly missed by all. She is preceded in death by her father, William M. Kelley, her mother, Freda I. Kelley Smith and her former husband, John L. Nequist.

She is survived by her children, Eric (Alicia) Nequist of Monte Sereno, CA and Kelley (Jeffrey) Berg of West Olive, MI., and her 3 grandchildren, Jordan, Sela and Tessa. Also surviving is her sister, Margaret Heft of Allegan, MI, 4 nieces, Connie, Bonnie, Ann and Pamela, their families, a cousin, Karin and her in laws.

In honor of Patricia please consider a donation to: Freedom Village Residents Fund, Macatawa Bank, 145 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI 49423. This fund is distributed to all Freedom Village employees in great appreciation of their exceptional care and services provided.

Services will be 3:00pm Friday, August 17, 2012 in the Auditorium at Freedom Village (6th Floor), 145 Columbia Ave, Holland, MI, with Dr. Bill Brownson officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00pm until the time of the service on Friday at Freedom Village.

Please share your thoughts and memories on the family’s guest book at www.lakeshorememorial.com.