Patricia Irwin, of Niles

Published 8:32 am Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Jan. 8, 1941 — Jan. 29, 2017

Patricia Marie (Heckathorn) Irwin, 76, of Niles, born in South Bend on Jan. 8, 1941, died peacefully at home with her family surrounding her Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017.
Patricia dearly loved her family and friends and made great sacrifices for them, standing up for what she believed was right and just. Even with her most valiant efforts in fighting sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, she slipped away too quickly. She was a born again Christian and is now home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Patricia Irwin

Patricia Irwin

She is survived by her husband, Donald Irwin of Niles; daughters Wanda Irwin of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Charlotte Schroeder (Steven) of Rowlett, Texas; nephews Chad and Jason Heckathorn of Niles; and her honorary sister, Gail Heckathorn of Walkertown, Indiana.
Patricia was the love of Donald’s life, and she supported him, traveling with him while he sang with the Michiana Metro Lighthouse Chorus.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Steven Heckathorn, and parents Millicent and Albert Heckathorn of Niles.
Funeral services and entombment will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Washtenong Memorial Mausoleum in Ann Arbor.
The family wishes to give special thanks for the love and support provided by Dr. Rafat Ansari and his wonderful team of care-givers, especially Brandee.
Memorials may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Memories may be shared for her family at
BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements are with Brown Funeral Home in Niles.