Patricia "Pat" Ellen Houseman

Patricia “Pat” Ellen (Lepkowicz) Houseman died at her home in Muskegon, MI on February 1, 2021 at the age of 73 as a result of complications from hereditary end stage renal failure. She was preceded in death by her parents Ray Lepkowicz and Lillian Imbler, her first husband Charles Laukkanen, brother-in-law Wayne Perri, and son-in-law Marco Aguilar. She is survived by her husband Lawrence Houseman, her children Carla Aguilar, Christine & James Helmka Jr., and John Laukkanen, her step-children Kelly & Tim Walker and Kathy & Robert Eacker, grandchildren, Anthony Aguilar, Gina Aguilar, James Helmka III, Charli Helmka, Cali Helmka, Cailyn Helmka, Jaden Helmka, Audrey Walker, Joel Walker, Kammi Aecker, and Marion Aecker, and a great grandchild, Lily Greyson, and her siblings Raymond & Judy Lepkowicz and Kathy Perri, and 5 nieces and nephews.

Pat was born and raised in Chicago, IL and graduated from Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL in 1965. She worked as a secretary throughout much of her earlier life until she graduated from Grand Valley State University in 1996 with a B.A. in Social Work. She then worked as a social worker and retired from Brookhaven Nursing Home in 2006.
Pat first married in 1965 and moved to New Port Richie, FL with her husband and 3 children where they lived for five years. The family returned to Chicago until they moved to Muskegon, MI in 1986.

Pat became a Christian as a young mother after attending a women’s Bible study and was a committed Christian throughout her life. Her faith was sincere and significant. She trusted the Lord to provide whatever she needed and she could provide endless examples of both small and big answers to prayer. She was a member of Grace Assembly of God located at 2956 E. Pontaluna Rd., Fruitport, MI 49415 where a Celebration of Life service will be held on February 4th at 6 PM. Visitation will precede the service starting at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, Pat has requested donations be made to Grace Assembly [www.graceaog.church] or Harbor Hospice [www.harborhospicemi.org].

Pat was a kind and thoughtful woman who opened her home and heart to others. She loved her family dearly. But she would also welcome a stranger like a friend to her home. She was a wonderful hostess. She loved to cook, bake, and entertain, whether for holidays, a special gathering at church or for family, or just to make cookies with her grandchildren.

She was very creative and loved to do crafts, whether sewing a small project or decorating holiday treats. She sewed all of her life and was a member of the “Basement Quilters” for many years. She would sew everything from clothes to school costumes, to prom dresses for her daughters, and quilts for all her family.
She was always up for adventure. She was willing to try new things, whether food or games, activities or places. She was a great sport at having fun. She would do the limbo at a family reunion or dance at any party. She participated in Hands Across America in the 1980’s and ran a 5K to support a cause. She traveled extensively during her retirement years with her husband and enjoyed seeing new places.

She was a beautiful woman, a thoughtful friend, and a loving sister, wife, and mother. We will miss her smile and spirit until we see her again in heaven.