Patricia Kavanagh

Patricia Blanton Kavanagh, adored and treasured wife of Dudley Thomas Kavanagh, joined him in heaven with our Lord on Thursday, September 27, 2012 after a life full of joy and happiness. She passed away at the age of 90 surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. Patricia was born in Sikeston, Missouri on December 2, 1921 to Harry and Maureen Blanton. She joins her parents Harry C. and Maureen Blanton, sisters Rosemary Barr Quatman, and Maureen Klein Graham in heaven and is survived by her siblings Dr. John (Claire) Blanton, Dr. Joseph (Nancy) Blanton, Dr. Harry (Jane) Blanton, Anne (Pat) Tlapek and Federal Magistrate Judge Lewis (Barbara) Blanton; and her beloved children Maureen (Edward) Petrini, J.D. of Richmond, VA, Kaymarie Kavanagh of Syracuse, NY, Deda Kavanagh of Newtown, PA, Thomas (Sandy) Kavanagh, D.V.M., of Brighton, MI, Dennis (Barbara) Kavanagh of Bozeman, MT, Terrance (Angelika) Kavanagh, Ph.D. of Seattle, WA, Rosemary O’Carroll of Newport, RI, Anne (Robert) Blankenhorn of Haslett, MI, District Court Judge Sean (Mary) Kavanagh of Livonia, MI, Bridget (Joedy) Patrick of Mason, MI, Moon (Glenn) Seagren of Petoskey, MI; her grandchildren: Anna, Mia, Donald (Jumper), Kevin, Pat, Tom, Sean, Patrick, Daniel, Anne, Elizabeth, Audrey, Amy, Katie, Morgan, Carolyn, Shane, Kayleigh, Terrance, Shannon, and GiGi; and her great grandchildren: Brianna, Lucy, Jarlath, Lena Jane and Emberlyn. Patricia attended Trinity College in Washington DC. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Maryville College of the Sacred Heart (now Maryville University) in Saint Louis, MO in 1942. She was an accomplished author, poet and playwright, her work being performed at Wayne State University and several articles being published in the Detroit News in the 1970s and more recently in the Petoskey News Review. She also managed her husband Tom’s tax consulting business for over 20 years. Patricia was an artist and found pleasure in putting simple day-to-day activities on canvas. When asked by Bridget whether she thought there would ever be peace in the world, Pat professed to know peace, have joy and beautiful things. Her sense of humor carried her through trying times and provided delight to those who knew and loved her. She had a tremendously positive influence on her eleven children and any success they have achieved can be traced back to her loving support. After her husband Tom passed on, Pat found renewed strength when she journeyed “Up North” to start a new life in Petoskey. She made many new friends and enjoyed the company of all of her kids and grandkids as they made the trek north to visit. She developed a very strong attachment to her youngest granddaughter who kept her vibrant and loving life; their favorite game was “Kicking the Bucket.” When she came back to East Lansing for her last six years, once again, it was her grandchildren who gave her much joy and companionship; Grandma developed strong, supportive bonds with them that they will treasure for the rest of their lives. Toward the end of her life, Pat was lovingly cared for by her dear friends at Care Solutions and Independence Village of East Lansing. She will be sorely missed and forever loved. Visitation Sunday, Sept. 30 from 2-8 PM with a Scripture Service at 7 PM at O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River, Novi, 248-348-1800. Instate Monday, Oct. 1 at 9:30 AM until Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Rd., Livonia. Memorial contributions may be sent in memory of Patricia Blanton Kavanagh to Maryville University, 650 Maryville University Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141 Attn: The Alumni Association