Patrica Louise Vicari, 3/25/52 – 9/9/23 passed away to her eternal life on September 19th, 2023. Pat leaves behind her life partner, best friend and husband, Frank Vicari III; her children, Jason Vicari, Kimberly (Eric) Schmidt; and her beloved grandchildren, Jaden Vicari and Eloise and Vivian Schmidt. She will be missed by her siblings, Barbara (Phil) Colby, Mary Beth (Mark) Hunt, Kevin (Beverly) Kish, Lisa (Rob) Young; and sister in-law, Sandy Vicari; and 9 nieces and nephews; and countless other family and friends. Previously departed loved ones include her parents, Louis and Lena Kish; her in-laws, Frank and Mamie Vicari; and brother-in-law, Michael Vicari.
Pat was born in Grand Rapids, MI and grew up with her family in Wyoming, MI. She graduated from Catholic Central High School where she met her soulmate, Frank. They were married September 8th, 1973, and were inseparable ever since. Frank and Pat just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends. After high school, Pat furthered her education at Grand Rapids Community College and ran a small cleaning business while raising a family with Frank.
Pat pursued many life-long passions and hobbies. Foremost, she was an amazing cook and was always honing in her craft. Pat loved how food brought the family together. Especially if she was making her red sauce and meatballs with cannoli for dessert. Pat loved the beauty of a stunning landscape she created and shared with her family during summers by her pool. She enjoyed the accomplishment of remodeling a room in her home (for the third time). Pat had a passion for drapery and sewing. She’d often be called upon by her children or grandchildren for an upgrade or a repair. Like many Michiganders, Pat and Frank’s favorite thing to do was to travel to the Florida Keys every spring. They loved the beauty, warm weather, a good happy hour, strong rum runners, time with friends and most of all, each other. Pat defined the word loving. She ensured the family remained close and spent time with her children and grandchildren every chance she had. Holiday get-togethers were planned well in advance and family dinners were plenty. Some of her favorite family activities were attending a grandchild’s school or sporting event and the annual Christmas tree chopping the day after Thanksgiving.
Pat was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016. Pat went through surgery and many rounds of chemotherapy before her battle ended seven years later. Frank and Pat wanted to say a special thank you to Dr. Kevin Brader and the staff at Lacks Cancer Center, especially the team members on the 2nd floor infusion unit who went out of their way to offer comfort when Pat really needed it. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Lacks Cancer Center in honor of Pat Vicari. https://www.saintmarysfoundationgr.com/saint-marys-donation. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at Watermark Country Club 1600 Galbraith Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 on Saturday, October 7th from 2pm-5pm. Shared memories will begin at 3pm.
3 Responses
She was a great fighter, warrior, and friend! All our love and prayers, Francis! ❤️
Best white chicken chili ever! Just to mention one of her delicacies. My heart is filled with the many memories we shared Francis. She will be missed.
Frank, Jason, Kim & family: we are so sorry about Pat. We pray that God will give all of you strength & comfort during this difficult time. Sue, Jerry, Don, Jenn, Andy & family