Patricia Hoitenga

Patricia Ann Hoitenga, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her three daughters, on March 11, 2026. She was born on June 28, 1947, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to parents, Reynold and Rebecca (Burns) Cook, and was the eldest of seven children.

Patricia was a woman of deep faith, strength, and a generous heart. She lived her life guided by her beliefs and a sincere love for the people around her. Those who knew her will remember her gentle and supportive nature, and her loving, strong spirit.

Patricia was a proud graduate of Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids, MI, and Michigan State University where she received a degree in special education. Shortly after graduation, she and her husband, Joel, were married and she started her career in education. She served as a special education teacher, a preschool teacher, Catholic Education Coordinator, and finally moved into serving as an Acquisitions Librarian at Baker College in Flint, MI.

Outside of her work, Patricia found joy in the beauty of everyday life. She loved music, gardening, sewing, knitting, baking, and travel. She cherished the friends she made at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, friendships that grew into a sisterhood she carried with her throughout her life. In the same way, the bond she shared with her own siblings deepened over the years into treasured, lifelong friendships.

Above all else, Patricia's greatest joy in life was her family. She and her husband, Joel, were married for 56 years and were constant companions. Their love and devotion to one another were evident to all who knew them, and they were separated at the end of life by only 77 days. Being a Mother and Nana meant everything to Patricia. She cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren and loved them deeply. They loved visiting her in Saugatuck, MI, for special Nana and Papa time: picking apples, swinging in the hammock, and walking every night to watch the sunset on Lake Michigan. Nana and Papa happily attended every recital, soccer match, track meet, and school ceremony possible.

Patricia is survived by her three daughters, Michelle (Richard) Colella, Katie Hoitenga, and Amy (Arend) Henderson; six grandchildren, Joseph, William, Declan, Olivia, Oliver, and Harper; siblings, Ed (Nancy) Cook, Carol Schaab, Mary (Bob) Darrow, Anne (Jeff) Stevens, and David Cook. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and new loving friends she made in retirement. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joel; and sister, Janice Kerwin.

Friends and Family are welcome to visit Friday, March 20, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Sylvania, Ohio. The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvania, Ohio, preceded by visitation in the church from 9-10 a.m. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Foundation. The Dominican Sisters meant so much to Patricia during her time at Marywood Academy, and she would be honored to continue supporting their ministries dedicated to education and the support of women. Donate online or mail to Dominican Sisters - Grand Rapids, 111 Lakeside Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503