Pat Paul, 84

Patricia A. Paul, age 84, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Bronson Commons – Skilled Nursing Center in Mattawan.

Pat was born September 1st, 1937 in Coldwater, and was daughter to Anthony and Gigi (Lopez) Warkoczeski. She was married to the love of her life, Mitchel B. Paul on August 22, 1959. Together they lived in central Indiana for 7 years, Sturgis for 40 years, and relocated to Kalamazoo in 2005. During her childhood, Pat enjoyed tap dancing and performing in her dance recitals and school plays. She became an avid reader at an early age and could still remember receiving her first library card and the excitement it brought. Pat also worked in the family business – “Harry’s Velvet Ice Cream Parlor” for many years. Harry’s had been founded by her maternal grandfather, Harry Lopez. Pat graduated from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Coldwater and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College in Detroit. Pat began her working career as an elementary teacher and then retired as a librarian. She taught school in central Indiana as well as in Sturgis for 7 years. After taking a few years to raise her 2 children, Pat was a substitute teacher in the Sturgis Public School system. She eventually joined the Sturgis Public Library and retired as the Reference Librarian after 16 years of service. In addition, Pat also worked as the Coordinator for the Sturgis Swinging Seniors, a senior citizens group, for over 16 years. Pat loved going to plays and musicals, traveling, dancing with her best guy, and reading. She was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish and was a Mass Greeter and volunteer for student suppers and funeral lunches. She enjoyed volunteering at Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes and the senior commodities food distribution program at the Kalamazoo Salvation Army. Family was a very important part of Pat’s life and she especially enjoyed being with her grandchildren and following them in all their activities. She was a huge MSU basketball and football supporter, as well as a Hope College hockey fan and attended many games with friends and family. Celebrating her 60th wedding anniversary with Mitch, their children and grandchildren on Mackinac Island always remained a cherished memory. Pat was a devoted wife, attentive and loving mother and grandmother. Surviving family members: children Jonathan (Julie) Paul and Marcea (Mark) Mones; grandchildren Owen Paul, Isaac Paul, Marlee Mones, Meaghan Mones and Max Mones; sister Virginia Lee (Sue) Killian and many special nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by her parents, husband Mitch and brother R. James Warkoczeski.

In accordance with Pat’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation and Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish on Wednesday, February 2nd . The visitation will be from 10am to 11am. The Memorial Mass will begin at 11am with internment at Genesee Prairie Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish, Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes or the Kalamazoo Public Library. Please visit Pat’s personalized web page to sign her online guest book and leave a message or condolence for her family at https://www.langelands.com