Monday, October 1, 2012

In Loving Memory

Patricia (Pat) JoAnne (Dowdy) Keesee of Kansas City, MO (Northland) entered the arms of Jesus on Saturday, September 29, 2012, at Kindred Hospital. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, October 3 at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Gladstone. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 10:00 AM at White Chapel with burial following. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Pat was born in Kansas City, MO on August 27, 1930 to Agnes Maude (Turner) and William G. Dowdy, Sr. She retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in March 1987 after 30 years of service. Pat was a former member of the Northland Optimist Club and was recognized by the Salvation Army Consistent Giving Hero Society. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Keesee; a daughter, Kathryn Anne (Keesee) Gold; a grandson, Justin Teal Roberts; her parents; and three brothers, Glen Dowdy, John Dowdy, and Robert Dowdy. Pat is survived by three sons and three daughters; William Richard Keesee (Susie), Robert Franklin Keesee (Kathy), Teresa Gayle Williams (Ron), Jerry Ray Keesee (Leasa), Valerie Michelle McKim (Mike), and Kristina Renee Page; one brother and two sisters, Gerald Dowdy, Lois Wells, and Judy Loman; 22 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Pat and Bill met in the courtyard at the Alamo in San Antonio, TX, in January, 1949 while she was on vacation and he was on a one-day pass from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. Pat was standing with a group of people when this Airman approached her and asked if she would take a picture with him. Thinking he was the cutest guy she had ever seen, she said yes. Pat and Bill had their photo taken together before they even knew the other’s name. They were married on September 8, 1949 and lived a love story that lasted over 56 years. Pat had recently relocated to the Garden Village Independent Senior Living community, where she was a well-loved resident. She was a much-loved mother and grandmother, and an amazing great-grandmother (GG) to all of her great-grandchildren. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike will all treasure the memories they created with her.
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Just how do you say goodbye to the most amazing, wonderful mother in the world? I don't know. I don't know how I'm going to do it. I already miss her - I miss the telephone calls and the visits and I know I'll miss watching her at Hollywood. The back-and-forth late night Facebook conversations... I'll cherish them all, especially my birthday message. I knew that I could talk to her anytime that I wanted to and could take her phone calls anytime she wanted to call. Heaven is a "long distance" call that I'd love to be able to make. I know that she was welcomed with open arms, hugs, and much rejoicing by those who have gone ahead of her. It's those of us left behind who will have to figure out a way to make it through our days without her presence, humor, and conversations. My mom and dad have left such a legacy in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. There's not any one person who ever crossed her path who wasn't affected in some way or another by her presence. She loved us all unconditionally and accepted us - faults and all - without reservation. I know that we all disappointed her at one time or another but she never held our shortcomings against us. She set a great example for others to try to live up to. She left some big shoes to fill and I don't think any of us will ever measure up. God knew that it was time for His earthly angel to come home.

11 comments:

Lois said...

So sorry that you have lost your mom. It is hard to adjust to the loss of the conversations and companionship. Sometimes I dream of sitting in the kitchen, and I'm talking with my parents. It's a good feeling.

colenic said...

Love hugs and healing thoughts to you.

Jimmy said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom, being able to stay close to her as you did was a blessing and I know this is not easy by no means but you know she is proud of the time she spent talking and facebooking with you, she is smiling down at you and will be until you meet again.

joanne said...

I know that your wonderful memories of her will be a healing balm in the coming months. Heaven must be rejoicing today! With deepest sympathies..;j

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Teresa,
OMG, so sorry to hear for your loss!!!
I understand how much you must be missing her, my dear friend☆☆☆ When my mom died n the year 2,000, it sure made me feel so lost. I haven't visited facebook these days, it sure was wonderful you two could have contact through it. I know it takes time for you to get over the feeling. Shed a lot of tears and Be a brave woman!!! Thinking of you from Japan.
May her soul be with God healing soul!

Love you always, Miyako*

Southhamsdarling said...

Hallo dear Teresa. I was so sorry to hear of your loss, but this is a lovely tribute to her. We know that our loved ones go on to more wonderful things in heaven but, as you say, it is us that are left behind that have to try to cope. I still miss my dear mum, even after so many years. I was an only child and we were so very close. Sending blessings and love your way at this sad time.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Teresa. Sounds like you had a great relationship with her--very special.

Pat said...

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother. What a love story of your parents and how they met! I like to believe that they are now together in heaven. May God bless.

Silver Strands said...

Oh dear Teresa ... I'm so sorry. Prayers for you and your family.

Lyndylou said...

I am so so sorry to hear this. Losing your mum is so very painful (((hugs)))

momto8 said...

so sorry . what a beautiful example of living life she gave to you...and what a beautiful tribute to her.
keep the faith.