Patricia J. Holley

Patricia Jean Holley, age 72, of Mason, Mich. started her Heavenly Journey on September 24, 2021. Patricia was born March 24, 1949, to Mildred Marie (Larson) Holley, and Lester Benjamin Holley Jr. in Eaton Rapids, Mich.
Patricia grew up with a love of animals and gardening that she nurtured and grew all through her life. She was known for her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. People would stop while she was working in them and ask for tours and the names of her favorite plants.
Patricia’s love of animals included a pet fawn, a duck, and a very special Cocker Spaniel, Lady, during her childhood. As an adult, there was always some kind of pet in the home, including dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, snakes and mice. Many of these pets her children would bring home with a “Can we keep it?” and a big smile. Her special pets were Tasty Tidbit, a toy Pomeranian, and Tuxedo Mask, a 24-pound purring ball of love.
Patricia had a knack for arts and crafts, woodworking, sewing and quilting. When her daughter bought her an embroidering machine, she went wild with-it, creating birthday and Christmas gifts for her family and friends.
Patricia was best known for her many paintings, including beautiful Christmas bulbs that were given as gifts and sold at craft shows. She was asked to paint bulbs for Bronner’s in Frankenmuth, Mich., but declined because she said that it would become a job instead of a creative outlet. She also liked to paint with oils, sketch with pencils and charcoals, and, a long time ago, Artex painting.
Patricia was a great fan of bird feeding. She had a variety of feeders and food to attract as many different species as possible to her yard. A stack of bird books was kept at her window to identify birds. She would then research the best type of food for that bird and send one of her daughters off to the feed store. She waged a constant war against the pillaging squirrels that was an unending source of entertainment for her family and friends.
Patricia was very strong-willed, feisty, and protective. These traits helped her to raise her three children: Vicki (Scott) Alldaffer, Tamara Keith, and Dwayne Keith. She also took an active role in helping to raise her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She believed in the philosophy that it took a village to raise a child.
Patricia endured a difficult three-year battle with cancer so that she could have more time with her beloved family. She then passed into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by her daughters and sister.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Chester Holley; son, Dwayne Keith; niece, Mindy Pearl Reed.
Patricia will be mourned by her daughters: Vicki (Scott) Alldaffer and Tamara Keith; grandchildren, Nikolas Alldaffer, Aurora Alldaffer, Zavier Keith, Daimeon Keith, Pearl Keith, Noah Keith, Emily Keith, and Dakota Keith; great-granddaughter: Nova Hope; siblings, Lester (Mary) Holley III, Vicki Reed, Rhonda (Dave Gruesbeck) Pressley, and Cindy Holley Miller; her nieces and nephews; special friends Anna Deplanty and Mikki (Ron) Foster-Hunt; along with many other family and friends.
There will be a private burial for her immediate family at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet, Mich. followed by a Celebration of Life for family and friends on October 4, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center located at 804 S. Cochran Ave. Charlotte, MI 48813.
The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers. Suggested charities in Patricia’s honor are Ingham County Animal Control, 600 Buhl Street, Mason, MI 48854; The Good Samaritan Fund, Holt United Methodist Church, 2321 N. Aurelius Road, Holt, MI 48842; and SIREN/Eaton Shelter, 520 Robinson Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.
The family is being served by Vickers Leslie Funeral Home in Leslie, Michigan.