Patricia White

Patricia Kay White, 68, of Overland Park, KS, passed away at home with her daughters by her side and with the kind support of Hospice on June 13, 2020.  Pat was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2018, and after being told her condition was terminal, she was able to leave this earth on her own terms.

Pat was the youngest daughter of Lloyd and Golda Hobbs of Kansas City, KS, born in 1952. Pat being the only child at home, spent much of her youth with the Jaedicke family, who were neighbors and welcomed her as their daughter Donna’s sidekick. Pat attended Washington High school in Kansas City, KS, where she met the love of her life Louis Edward White, also of Kansas City, KS. The couple were married in 1971, and proceeded to have two daughters, Jennifer and Heather, as well as numerous dogs, cats, birds, and fish throughout their life together until Lou’s passing in 2001.

Pat’s love for her pets and other people’s pets was not only her profession as a veterinarian technician, but also her deep passion.  Pat worked at Fairway Animal Hospital during her 30+ year career in veterinary medicine, during which she created a second family with her work cohort over the years.

Pat had a gentle spirit, a dry and quick sense of humor, and she paid attention to the finer details in life. Some in the family lovingly referred to her as “Patty Cakes.” Pat loved gardening and tended to beautiful flowers with Lou in the family home, and continued refining her skills after he passed. While not working at the animal hospital, she spent her time volunteering with her golden retriever, Chilly, at various nursing homes and psychiatric facilities.  She served on the Pets for Life Board of Directors and at the end of her life volunteered at Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, lovingly known as “The Barn.”

Along with her various four-legged creatures and her numerous birds over the years, Pat adored her grandchildren: Mary, Maxwell, Joshua, Alexander, and Andrew, all born within about two years' time.  The grandchildren were an important part of her life and she loved “Mimi Time” as much as they did.  She went on vacations with her daughters and their families to Florida, Arkansas and Colorado. Spending time with her family and friends over Mexican food and Margaritas was a favorite pastime, and she never ceased to make the small gatherings special in some way.  Whether it was a beautifully set table, holiday napkins, or the most thoughtful gifts, Pat knew how to celebrate.

Pat was loved by many, often mentoring and guiding others in her field and mothering both furry and human beings. Pat was an active participant in a women’s circle, which served her to a deeper understanding of herself and was enormously supportive in her own growth process. Pat was the definition of a strong woman, who survived many hardships in her life, but accepted these challenges with grace and resolve.

Pat has gone to be with her beloved best friend and life partner, Lou, in Heaven and will remain in our hearts forever.  Pat is survived by her sister, Shirley Gilbert (of Arizona); sister-in-laws Judi Poe and Mary Osborn and soul sister, Donna Coquillette (all of Kansas City); daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Matthew Kerr and their children Maxwell, Joshua, and Alexander (of Wichita); daughter Heather and son-in-law Michael Brighton and their children Mary and Andrew Brighton (of Manhattan, KS); and countless other family members and friends.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary in Pat’s honor.  The services will be private but it will live streamed.  Please click on the link below to view.   There will be a private inurnment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, KS.