Patricia Ann Bross

Patricia Ann (Burnside) Bross, Smith, age 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at Providence Hospital. Patricia was preceded in death by her father Gordon L. Burnside and Mother Florence (Townsend) Burnside. Patricia, was a single child who decided to forgo having children. Patricia, however found great joy in children specifically her cousin’s children, with nieces and nephews Harmony and Dave Hoekzema, Eric and Rebeca Parsons, Neil and Amy Sober, and Ryan and Leia Sober who all grew up with “Aunt Pat”. Patricia was a unique Women with many enduring traits. Her greatest perhaps was to share her love and patience with her World. She understood the power of love. She also believed everyone has a voice to share. Her love attracted “Life-long Friends.” Imagine that. For the past 20+ years Patricia had successfully lived in an assisted living arrangement in Southfield, MI. The good folks who took the very best care of our Patricia deserve a big mention. Mr. Nate Walker and family, Ms. Christine Hayes, and Ms. Alicia Mroue all played an intricate part in Patricia’s day-to-day successes and activities. Thank You All. Mr. Edward Shoener, penned a powerful obituary to remember his daughter and raise awareness of the illness she suffered, which has since been shared tens of thousands of times. “The way we talk about people and their illnesses affects the people themselves and how we treat the illness. In the case of mental illness there is so much fear, ignorance and hurtful attitudes that the people who suffer from mental illness needlessly suffer further.” “So often people who have a mental illness are known as their illness,”. “People say that ‘he/she is bipolar’ or ‘he/she is schizophrenic.’ Over the days to come, as you talk to people about Patricia, or when you have a chance to be in your community with your families and friends, please do not use that phrase.” The reason: People with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are not their disease, much like people who die from cancer or diabetes are not their diseases. DEATH IS NOT THE END Death is not the end but the beginning of a metamorphosis For matter is never destroyed, only transformed and rearranged – often more perfectly. Witness how in the moment of the caterpillar’s death the beauty of the butterfly is born and released from the prison of the cocoon it flies free. (Peter Tatchell)

Tributes

Patricia Ann Bross

July 31, 1949 - January 15, 2023