Mrs. Patricia Matthews Voorvaart

Patricia Matthews Voorvaart (92) longtime resident of Simsbury, CT for 58 years (untilshe recently relocated to SC in Sept 2023 to live with her daughter and son-in-law), peacefully passed away in her new residence on January 10, 2024 when she left this world for her eternal resting place in His heavenly kingdom. Patty was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, John Henry (Jack), in May 2022; her eldest son: Henry (Hank) in Jan 2020; middle daughter: Rosemarie (Rose) in Dec 2015; and most recently, youngest son: William (Billy) in Sept 2023. She is survived by two daughters: Lisa Voorvaart of Simsbury, CT andTara Voorvaart Derouen (Michael) of West Union, SC; and son: Peter Voorvaart (Darla) of Windsor Locks, CT: daughters-in- Law: Sharon Voorvaart (Pt Judith, RI) and Christine Voorvaart (Coventry, CT); and eleven grandchildren: Andrew Laplante, Chelsea Voorvaart, Rachael Johnson, Amanda Voorvaart, Tucker Voorvaart, Bailey Voorvaart, Burton Koch, Elizabeth Koch, Lindsay Derouen Combs, Katie Reilly and Alex Reilly); as well as many great-grandchildren: most notably Jacob Johnson and Railynn Johnson. It would be amiss to not mention the unofficial adopted children stemming back 50+ years forward who also had the blessing of calling her “Mom” - Kenneth Moore (Mary Ellen), Katie Gluth, Michael Gluth (Elisabeth), Jennifer Frank and Carol Reilly (Tom). Though not blood related, they were attached to her heartstring and equally loved as a member of the “extended” Voorvaart family. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. From the time she and her husband relocated to Simsbury in the winter of 1966, St Mary’s Catholic Church became steadfast in her life, as these roots were planted deeply into a rock-solid foundation of nearly 6 decades. She closed the door on her professional career at the age of 75 when she retired from The American Cancer Society after 14 years of service, with her last position being the Direct Marketing Specialist, a job she absolutely loved. In Feb 2020, 54 years and one day after relocating to Simsbury from Des Plaines, IL they left their beloved farmhouse to move into Anthology Senior Living, Weatogue (Simsbury) where she and Jack forged many new friendships and enjoyed all the social aspects of their new community. Though Patty did not have any hobbies per se, she was a devout Catholic with an immense prayer-warrior’s heart. She diligently and faithfully started each and every day with her prayer list (or rather, book) as she understood this was her blessing to pray for others. Also, her commitment to friendships resulted in a wide and vast garden. No truer words are spoken with the saying “it takes a long time to grow an old friend” as each was tenderly nurtured and loved. In celebration of her life, her memorial mass will be held at St Mary’s Church (Simsbury, CT) on Saturday, February 17, 2024 @ 11:00 A.M., with a gathering immediately thereafter in the church hall.

Mrs. Patricia Matthews Voorvaart

August 4, 1931 - January 10, 2024