Patti Heitzman

With a warm smile, generous heart, and an entertaining story to share, Patti Heitzman lived a life rich in family and friends. The life of the party, Patti was genuine, and so was her love for people and the land of her birth, Ireland. She embraced each day as a gift and made friends wherever she went. Whether tending to her garden, enjoying a meal with others, dancing, traveling, or playing darts, Patti lived each moment to the fullest. In doing so, she proved a powerful role model for how to live a wholehearted life. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Patti will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

Patti was born on November 11, 1948, in Limerick, Ireland. The daughter of Ellen Mary (Watson) and Captain Ned Stapleton, Patti grew up in the good company of her two sisters, Caroline and Lorraine, and brother, Eamonn, in the family home at 40 Revington Park, North Circular Road, Limerick Ireland. Patti and her siblings lived a happy, carefree life. She enjoyed Irish dancing, going to the movies, and spending time with her family during the summer holidays in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, where her mother and father met.

Patti's mother devoted herself to raising the children and managing the home. Her father played a daring role in the War of Independence, he joined an active service unit of the Old IRA. At the age of nineteen, he entered his foundation with the rank of Captain and transferred by invitation to the Irish Air Corps. He qualified as a pilot and was stationed in Foynes, Co. Limerick. He later became the first Air Traffic Control officer at Shannon Airport, where he worked until his retirement in 1965. Patti proudly kept artifacts from her father's service, including photos of him during the War of Independence and a raft of stories of the old brigade told to her by the Captain, her entire life.

Patti attended the Salesian Primary School, and afterward she attended Sorbonne University in Paris, France studying French Language and Culture. She later moved to Frankfurt, Germany, where she attended the Berlitz School of Languages. While attending, she worked for the 7310 Combat Support Group at Rhein-Main Air Base during the Vietnam War era. This is where Patti met her future husband, Jack Heitzman. The two were married in Limerick, Ireland. Returning to Jack’s military duties, they moved to Wiesbaden, Germany, and then San Bernardino, CA, finally settling in Grand Rapids in 1971. The family attended St. Alphonsus in Grand Rapids, and Patti worked at Old Kent Bank as an International Trader for 14 years before working for Data Systems and First American Title.

Known to many as "Irish Patti," she was deeply committed to her Irish roots. Traveling back to Ireland often, staying in communication with family and friends in Ireland and Boston, as well as playing a large role in the Irish community in Grand Rapids.

Patti found joy in many things, including traveling, gardening, Harley Davidson motorcycles, music, and good food. She enjoyed camping in Grand Haven and visiting Little Manistee River in Irons, Michigan.

She loved working in her garden and reading her many gardening books. Her favorite music included, “We're On the One Road" by the Wolfe Tones, "So Long, Marianne" by Leonard Cohen, and Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again." Patti loved to cook breakfast for her grandkids. Her favorite foods included oysters, periwinkles, steak, and lobster. Her favorite restaurant was Tillman’s.

A woman who loved people more than possessions, Patti's greatest pride and joy came in sharing time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As we celebrate Patti's beautiful, inspiring life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories.

Patricia Mary Heitzman, "Patti," age 77, passed away at home on Saturday, January 24, 2026, while in the comfort of her home and in the company of her family.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Eamonn Stapleton and son-in-law Scott Pobojewski.

Patti is survived by her sisters Caroline (Nick) Bowers of Boston, MA, and Lorraine Cantillon of Killaloe, Ireland. Her children are Mark Heitzman, Karen Pobojewski, Tara (Rob) Richardson, and Kevin (Jenny) Heitzman. Her grandchildren: Jaryd, Emily, Chloe, Clara, Callan, Alexander, Kiera, Henry, and Kilee, as well as several great-grandchildren.

May her spirit live on in all of us!

A memorial celebration of life will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Vanstrien Chapel (1833 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505).

Per Patti's wishes, cremation has taken place, and internment of her cremated remains will take place in Ireland near her ancestors.

To read Patti's life story, sign her personal memory page, or leave a comment, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.