Patricia Kathleen (Szumski) Henk

Patrica (Szumski) Henk passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 29th, 2024. She fought a long, hard battle with an autoimmune disease and cancer, but now rests in comfort.

Pat always called West Michigan home. She was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan and created a home with her own family in Ada, Michigan. She had fond memories of spending her childhood summers at the family cottage on Johnny Ford Lake and continued building memories at the lake with her four children and grandchildren.

Pat, the forever caregiver, dedicated her life to raising young children. In addition to raising her own four children, she lovingly cared for the children in her community at her daycare. Later in life, she found joy in rescuing dogs in unfortunate situations, nursed them back to health, and gave them a loving home.

Pat was quite crafty! She was an excellent painter, knitter, and crocheter. It was not uncommon to receive a handmade baby blanket or scarf as a gift from her.

After retirement, her and her husband Charles went on many adventures across the United States in their RV (always with a dog or two in tow).

Pat is survived by her loving husband of 52 years Charles Henk; their four children Scot Henk (Willa Henk), Timothy Henk (Dana Henk), Katherine McEntyre (Scott McEntyre), and Emily O’Donnell (Shane O’Donnell); her five inspiring grandchildren Ryan and Jacob Henk, Madelyn, Alivia, and Hayden McEntyre; and her brother Thomas Szumski (Linda Szumski).

Pat is preceded in death by her mother (Verna Szumski), father (Edward Szumski), and sister (Cynthia Szumski).

A celebration of her life will be held on July 12th, more details to come.

In lieu of flower to the family, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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