Patricia Gower, 80 / March 9, 1931 — May 23, 2011

Published 11:03 pm Thursday, May 26, 2011

Patricia Joann Gower, 80, residing in Mishawaka, passed away at 11:49 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2011 in Golden Living Center-Fountainview, Mishawaka.

She was born March 9, 1931 to the late Russell and Hazel Marie (Miller) Neff in Berrien County and lived most of her life in the South Bend/Mishawaka area.

In her working years, Patricia was a ward nurse at Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed traveling and was a free spirit who was very generous.  She was a great cook and was an off-shore boat cook while living in Louisiana.

Patricia was married to Tom Gower, who preceded her in death Feb. 29, 2010. She was also preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers.

Patricia is survived by three daughters, Connie Maddix of Mishawaka, Olivia (Al) Herzog of Patterson, La. and Denise (Bill Manning) Osborn of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; one son, Steve Osborn of Metairie, La.; six grandchildren, Louis, Marianna, Veronica and Anthony Herzog, Nicholas Osborn and Amanda Pinaeda; and three great-grandchildren, Adalaide Pinaeda and Chase and Lane Osborn. She is also survived by one brother, John (Delores) Neff of Niles; a cousin, Noreen Grenert; and her former husband, Wayne (Linda) Osborn of Granger.

Funeral services for Patricia will be 2 p.m. Friday, May 27 in the Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Rd., South Bend, with the Rev. Bob Lengerich of St. Pius X Catholic Church officiating.

Graveside services and burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home prior to services.

Online condolences to the Gower family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.