Patricia Hoitenga

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

A woman of deep faith, strength, and generosity, Patricia lived guided by her beliefs and a sincere love for those around her. She was remembered for her gentle and supportive nature and her loving, strong spirit. A proud graduate of Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids and Michigan State University, where she earned a degree in special education, she devoted her career to teaching and service. She worked as a special education teacher, preschool teacher, Catholic Education Coordinator, and Acquisitions Librarian.

Patricia found quiet joy in music, gardening, sewing, knitting, baking, and travel. She treasured the sisterhood of friends from St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church and the lifelong bonds she shared with her siblings. Above all, her greatest happiness came from her family. She and her husband, Joel, shared 56 devoted years together and were separated by only 77 days at the end of their lives. Being a mother and Nana brought her profound fulfillment. She cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, welcoming them to Saugatuck for special Nana and Papa time filled with apple picking, hammock swinging, evening walks to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan, and attending every recital, soccer match, track meet, and school event.

Patricia is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Richard) Colella, Katie Hoitenga, and Amy (Arend) Henderson; six grandchildren, Joseph, William, Declan, Olivia, Oliver, and Harper; and her 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 friends from her retirement years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joel, and her sister Janice Kerwin.