Patricia “Pat” Brown (Fleet) died peacefully in South Haven, Michigan on September 14, 2017, at the age of 93 years old.
Pat is survived by her daughter Tricia Hayes and her son Dale Brown, her brothers Alec Fleet and Charlie Fleet, fourteen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by: her husband’s Donald Kunkle and Lloyd “Bud” Brown; five sisters and three brothers; and her children Donald Kunkle, Laura Brown, Bruce Kunkle, and Doug Brown.
Born in London, England on August 13, 1924, Pat lived with her parents and ten brothers and sisters, who all survived the London Blitz. She became a member of the British Royal Air Force at the age of 17 joining the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and serving as a switchboard supervisor during World War II. During her service she met a US Air Force soldier, Don Kunkle, and at the age of 21 moved to the United States.
After moving to Benton Harbor, Michigan, Pat began to work for the Kunkle family business of Colonial Flowers. Pat and Don had three children, Donnie, Bruce, and Tricia. After the sudden passing of her first husband, Pat remarried Lloyd “Bud” Brown where she welcomed three more children into the family, Doug, Laura, and Dale (“Butch”.)
Pat’s family remembers her as a very determined and driven woman who loved politics, swimming, playing bridge, and who was an accomplished business owner, realtor, and florist. She was artistic and loved singing music from the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at 11:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave., Benton Harbor, with Father Santos Castillo officiating. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, September 18, 2017, from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Area Agency on Aging. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
The family is especially grateful for the care of Sonja Wagemaker, the late Lisa Burns, Carol Doan, the late Pat Rybarczyk, Circle of Care Hospice, and the entire staff at South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Community.