Patricia Whittaker completed her earthly journey and returned to the Father on Thursday, July 13 at the age
of 92 at Village Shalom in Overland Park. Born Patricia Ann Collins, she was the second of four children
of John and Marie Collins. A nearly lifelong resident of Kansas City, she attended St.Peter’s grade school,
Hogan High School, and St. Teresa’s College.
It was on a blind date in high school that Pat met her future husband, Keith Whittaker. Together, they
went on to build a beautiful life, raising seven children – Thomas, Ann, Laura, John, Martin, Brian
(passed away in 2003), and Mary. As much as they loved their children, their greatest joy came from
their 23 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. They were blessed to share 57 years together
before Keith passed away in 2011.
Those who knew her would agree that Pat was strong-willed. Call it the Irish in her, but she knew her
mind and pursued her goals and tasks with dogged determination. That sense of purpose served her
well in raising her family, putting meals on the table for any and all who appeared at her door (and there
were many), planning family vacations for nine, and supporting various school and church events.
While we are adrift without her firm hand at the helm, Mom will stay with us forever as that voice in our
heads. She was our teacher, our advisor, our spiritual guide, our North Star. A deeply spiritual woman
who was devoted to the Blessed Mother, she passed that gift of faith to her children and we are grateful
for her guidance and tutelage. She taught us in her later years and in her death to accept God’s plan
with grace and peace.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church, 1001 E. 52nd St., on Tuesday,
July 18 at 11:00 a.m. Family will greet friends before mass beginning at 10:00 and a luncheon will be
served following the mass at the Magus Athletic Center on the Rockhurst University campus, 5311 Tracy,
followed by burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Raytown, Missouri.
Family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Village Shalom at www.villageshalom.org/donate. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC
Oh I remember those family dinners where I was included. I was always in awe by the great food, candlelight and many prayers before we started. Every time I went to make the sign of the cross there was another prayer. Thank you for sharing your mother and many meals with me. ❤️ 🍀❤️
Very nice piece on Pat. She lived a full life and deserves the rest and peace she has found. Wonderful picture of her and Keith. My condolences to all the family.
Jesus,…….. I’m sending you something. (Pretty sure you won’t have TWO!)
When She gets there, just nod, [and do as You’re told……]
My deepest sympathies to Tom, Ann, Laura, John, Martin and Mary and families. Pat (Mrs Whittaker as she always was to me) was a very special woman. Kind, generous, warm-hearted, engaging and ALWAYS right! She had a perfect life partner in Keith and she is now reunited with him and with Brian in heaven. I will always hold Pat close to my heart – she was a second mother to me during my years in the US. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.