Patricia J. Kessler

FUNERAL HOME

Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home

4800 East Indian School Rd.

Phoenix, Arizona

Patricia Kessler Obituary

Name: Funeral Mass for Patricia J. Kessler
Start: 2016-07-13T20:30:00.000Z
Location: Franciscan Renewal Center

Kessler, Patricia J.
Pat Kessler, 85, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 7, 2016. Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Pat spent most of her growing up years with her Grandmother "Munnie" and Great Aunts Maude & Grace while her parents, Bob and Cleone Pollard traveled throughout the Midwest on the Chautauqua Theatre Circuit. She always aspired to be an actress and when she moved to Phoenix with her parents, she pursued her love of acting at Phoenix College. Student Body President, Bill Kessler, visited the set during a play rehearsal and was smitten. He arranged with a friend to meet her at the cast party. The year was 1949 and by 1951 they were Mr. and Mrs. They had six children and were married 62 years. Pat filled those years at 8521 with music and song. No gathering was complete without a sing along around her treasured Steinway, a gift from Bill, who loved to hear her sweet voice. Survivors include five daughters, Kathryn (Jon) Allen; Linda (Larry) Hohl; Mary (Randy) Barth; Patty (Barry) Moore; Margie (David) Merrill; Susan Platz (Billy's wife); eleven grandchildren: Brian (Fujiko) Hohl, Jeff (Crystal) Hohl, Megan (Nate) Reiss; Emily & Katie Barth; Maribeth, Alison & Brad Moore; Natalie, Nina & Hallie Merrill; two great grandchildren: Emi Hohl & Abby Reiss; sister-in-law Elizabeth Carlson; and 8 nieces & nephews. Pat was preceded in death by her husband Bill, in 2013 and only son, Billy, who died from leukemia at the age of 26 in 1987. When asked how she would like to be remembered, Pat said she wanted people to know she was a good wife and mother. She always put her family first and herself last. Her family honors Mom's life by trying to live by the example she set. Bless you dearest "Little Bird" for creating the safest and happiest nest for all of us. You are loved by all. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ. Graveside Service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at St. Francis Cemetery. Please visit www.WhitneyMurphyFuneralHome.com to place an online condolence.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jul. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Kessler

Sponsored by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.

10 Entries

Carla

July 20, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories comfort your heart; and God help the Kessler family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13

Sharon Mattson

July 19, 2016

Patty-From your MHT friends, we have such fond memories with your mom. She was full of life!

Cathy Cosgrove

July 14, 2016

~ Kathryn, Linda, Mary, Patty and Margie ~
So many memories for me since high school, college, the BKMC, and on so many occa
sions wrapping Christmas gifts with both your Mom and Dad! She was so loving and kind and hearing her sing, which was often, it made me "take a breath" and just enjoy something so pure as a song! I will treasure all of the times I spent with her and all of you ~ my memories at 8521 are very special and ones that I will carry with me for a very long time.
~ Love to you all ~
Cathy C

Mark Sparks

July 14, 2016

Mary: Your parents were an amazing example of inclusiveness during our "formative" years. Additionally, they were just fun to be around. I hope both you, your sisters & family are at peace.

July 13, 2016

So blessed to have known this 'little bird.'
Always happy, loving and thoughtful.
Thankfully I know her little chicks who carry on that loving spirit.
Your song will always be remembered!
Love to you all,
Jennifer, David, Daniel, William and Andrew

Mike and Jen Kennedy

July 13, 2016

Kathy, Linda,Mary, Patty, Margie

My kids will always remember playing on Pat's piano to practice for school, along with the positive support Pat gave to them in their efforts.
We send our condolences yet joy that we have been blessed to have been even the smallest part of Bill and Pat's world. You all are the testament of the good people that they were and are together in the best of places now- forever. Hugs all around. And maybe raise a glass and celebrate the lives we all got to share in our own ways.

Jo-Ann Flick

July 12, 2016

Margie and family, please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jo-Ann & Paul Flick

Jim De La Torre

July 12, 2016

There is a good chance I went to high school with this special lady's daughter Linda. If so, I would like to send my condolences to the family and especially Linda. I loved reading the obituary. What an incredible lady!

July 12, 2016

How very sweet, yes I'm sure she would have thought so too. We are thinking of you and your family Margie and sending love and hugs. Marcia and Eddie

RJ Merrill

July 12, 2016

I am so happy to have had Pat as part of my family! She was a joy to be around. She was smart, pretty, and uplifting. I loved how well my mother and Pat got along as mother-in-laws. They both were secure, mature women who understood the importance of maintaining family cohesion which often meant swallowing their pride, letting go of things and placing others first. Whenever Pat was at a gathering I knew I would enjoy myself since she had a way of making people feel important and interesting. I will always remember ice cream socials and singing Christmas carols! Thank you Pat for who you were and what you did for us all.

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