We Remember
GOERTZEN, Patricia Joy
July 13, 1963 — November 24, 2019
Much to our dismay, our beloved Patricia was suddenly called home by her Heavenly Father after a car accident on November 24, 2019. She will be profoundly missed by those whose lives she touched during her 56 dynamic and exuberantly lived years.
Patricia was a devoted wife and mother to her husband Larry, and her daughters, Melissa (engaged to Jasper Berg), Alicia, and Ariana. Patricia was the daughter of Norman and Elfrieda Krumbhols and a sister to Paul (Jodi), Daryl (Suzanne), and David Krumbhols. When Patricia and Larry were married 36 years ago, November 12, 1983, Henry and Eva Goertzen and their children, Dwayne (Marlena) Goertzen and Sylvia (Randy) Carter welcomed Patricia into the Goertzen family. Patricia cherished this family along with her nieces and nephews, extended family, “chosen” family members, and friends.
Patricia strongly believed that everyone is made for relationship. She devoted her life to fostering this, first in her family, and then in her role as Executive Director at Hands In Service, a non-profit organization that seeks to fill the gaps for those in our community in need of practical care. The team’s desire is to provide tangible acts of service with a love and connectedness that many us take for granted. Patricia served Hands In Service for over ten years during which the organization won the 2015 Kelowna Volunteer Organization of the Year Award.
Patricia was known as a purpose driven woman of faith, a dedicated and proud mother, a tireless and self-sacrificing advocate, and a generously loving person. She enjoyed our Okanagan summers, adventure of all kinds and travelling with her family. Patricia could light up a room with her vivacious personality, affectionate hugs, joyous laughter and her fabulously bold sense of style.
No doubt heaven’s choir became exceptionally more jubilant as Patricia joined in song with her robust effervescence and genuine love for God and others.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Patricia on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 2:30 pm at Trinity Church, 1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. The viewing/visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:45 until 2:30 pm. This service will be livestreamed from Trinity Church’s website: https://trinitychurchkelowna.churchonline.org/. In honor of Patricia’s style and love for vibrant color, we invite you to join us in wearing something with a bright pattern or brilliant color.
Memorial donations may be made to Hands In Service: https://www.handsinservice.ca/in-memory-patricia-goertzen/ or to “People for Patricia” at www.gofundme.com.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
THIS SERVICE WAS LIVE STREAMED SUNDAY DECEMBER 8 2019 AT 2:30PM
Visitation
Sunday, December 8, at 1:45 pm
Trinity Baptist Church
(1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC)
Service
Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Location
Trinity Baptist Church
Share with Others:
Hands in Service Hands or to “People for Patricia” Link: www.handsinservice.ca/in-memory-patricia-goertzen, www.gofundme.com/f/jjd22n-people-for-patricia
Service Information
Service Details
The service for GOERTZEN, Patricia Joy is scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 2:30 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Trinity Baptist Church
1905 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
We pray for gentle peace, quiet strength and His steadfast love to surround each of you …we are deeply saddened at the loss of Patricia.
I have known and loved Patricia’s heart for the community as well her love for Christ for many years, both through Teen Challenge and Hands In Service. In fact, the Friday before Patricia went on to meet the Lord, we met at a Teen Challenge dinner and made arrangements to get together that Monday to further discuss how my Rotary club could support the dental RV, and my former church could help with a venue. Patricia truly embodied Jesus spirit in her walk within our community; a shining example of how walking alongside Jesus can look. She leaves big footprint
Kelowna Community Gospel Choir would like to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of our beautiful Patricia.
How we will miss your lovely presence in our choir, your amazing voice! Now you sing with the angels…
Our deepest condolences to Patricia’s family from the members of KCGChoir.
We remember Patricia as a young girl and teenager and know she was much loved by her family and friends. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and trust you will find comfort in knowing she is forever with her Father in heaven.
I am so shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Patricia’s sudden passing. What a wonderful woman she was and will be deeply missed by many. I was blessed to have known her all the years at New Life Church when we ministered on the prayer and Set Free team. I have kept you all in my prayers. May Holy Spirit comfort you and give you His peace during this time of grief and mourning. 💔😢😔🙏🛐
Dear Larry and Family
Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you. It was an honour and a privilege to volunteer for Hands in Service and Patricia. God’s light truly did shine through Patricia.
Sincerely
Chris, Lisa, Shay, Bobbi and Li White
Patricia was a vibrant and beautiful person who was truly ignited by the Holy Spirit to work for marginalized people. Her exuberance and light were contagious and leaves a legacy to all she touched in her time here. God’s comfort and blessings to her family who mourn her loss.
Our heartfelt condolences to all the family. I had the pleasure and honor to work with Patricia on many occasions, helping those in need, a beautiful caring person. May prays and memories help you through this very difficult time.
Sonia, Westside Health Network Society
I knew Patricia from working in the same building that Hands in Service is located in. I loved her energy and always felt her presence when she was around. She always had a smile. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I’m truly sorry for not only their loss but for the loss of someone who was giving so much to the community.
My heart is broken for Patricia’s family and friends. I do realize that Patricia is resting in the arms of Jesus. My deepest sympathies to Patricia’s family. I will pray for you all.
Dear Alicia and Ariana, We were all so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful Mom. Many of us had a chance to meet her while you were here but we feel that we saw some of the best of her by knowing you. You carry her with you always and have the great privilege of carrying her torch forward. Please feel free to contact any of us if you need any dental hygiene counsel in your journeys. Much love to you both. I wish we could be there to give you both a hug.
Kelly Antosh and the faculty of the Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene.
On behalf of the Board and Staff of United Way SIBC, it’s with a very heavy heart that we pass along our deepest condolences to Patricia’s family and colleagues. We’ve partnered with Patricia and Hands in Service for many of the 10 years she was at the helm. She was such a joy to work with and we will always remember her electric volunteer support at our annual Bus Pull and fundraiser as our starter. We know she is in good hands but sincerely hope that our thoughts and prayers bring comfort to her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. Godspeed and may she rest in peace.
Pat was an unbelievably intelligent, generous and confident friend from day one, when we met in elementary school. I remember distinctly the love I felt in her childhood home the first time I came over to study with a friend.
Her death still seems unfathomably inconceivable as she seemed to have boundless energy and be capable of living several lifetimes in one life.
I had the extreme pleasure of stopping by Hands in Service one day a few winters ago when I was visiting from my home in Richmond. She had just received a large order for more snowflake cookies and was looking at staying late into the night. I offered to help her but little did I know that she would be helping me, just as she has helped many people find connections in the community. I loved giving back as I listened to her work in the other room. She bore her considerable intellect to the tasks at hand in such a kind, humorous and efficient way that it fills my heart to this day.
I greatly admired Pat and will miss her tremendously. I hope that our memories will help us all to live our best lives as I think Pat would be looking on in great pleasure with her wonderful smile.
God bless
Monica Sewerin
I sang in the gospel choir with Patricia. She usually stood behind me. Her voice, her exuberance, her personality shone. When I watched the choir from the audience, she had the brightest smile by a wide margin. You could not help but see it, it was so bright. When she sang, her voice was high, clear and clean. Quite something. I remember her getting into her car one night and saying – I want to drive in that. She had a smile that radiated that night and lit up the sky. And drove off without me!
And then I heard the news! Stunned. Dismayed! What??? I knew that God took her at the right moment, but why now? I have my theories as I play guessing game and I think I am right, but nevertheless, the loss is very real. It leaves an emptiness that has not left me. Sometimes I wished that I could do what Jesus did. Go up to her lifeless body, and say out loud, “Patricia, come forth”. But of course I cannot – well not yet anyway. I ache as you all must. I cry in my heart as you all have been doing. I feel your pain deeply. Just as Jesus did when He wept.
There are no words. Just feelings. I can only feel your pain, loss and sadness. A bright light has gone out.
The good news of course, is that it will be lit up again, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. Probably singing with that infectious beautiful smile, probably brighter than the angels around her – sounds about right. I’ll be there too! Standing and singing right in front of you as we did in that choir. Along with your entire family no doubt.
That is something to be grateful for. See you on the other side my friend.
Good night.
Dave
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you at this
Wishing you feelings of comfort, moments of peace and memories of joy at this difficult time.
We were stunned and so sorry to hear of Patricia’s passing. No human words can truly comfort, but it is our prayer for all the families involved in this tragic loss that the Holy Spirit will be very sweet and gentle and real to each one of you as He gives comfort, grace and strength through this time of grief and adjustment. I feel blessed to have seen Patricia at the Teen Challenge dinner the Friday night before her accident. Her warm hug and brilliant smile had not changed since we knew her during our years at the Lake Country Alliance church. Cherished memories!
I am truly saddened to hear the passing of Patricia. Larry I wish to send our love, prayers and God’s arms of peace about you and all your family.
Elaine Green & families.
So sorry to hear of the loss of Patricia. I went to school with Pat and altho haven’t been much in touch with her since 1981 geaduation, it is still a very sad situation…my condolences
I am so deeply saddened by your loss and am so thankful for the knowledge that Patricia is with her beloved Saviour. May God give you all strength and peace during the difficult time ahead. Please know I will be praying for you.
When the first course of a meal is completed, if the hostess picking up the dishes leans over and says: “keep your fork”. you know there is more to come, that the best part, the desert is yet to come. Larry and family, we know that you will miss Patricia dearly. Hang on to the memories of the “first course” of your life together, but hang on to your fork, the “best is yet to come”! Blessings, Cecil & Ruby