Patricia Irene LaFortune was born in Peoria, Illinois, and raised in Sedalia, Missouri, by her mother, Margaret Gottschalk. In April 1962, she met the love of her life, Patrick LaFortune, at Whiteman Air Force Base. Just six months later, on October 21, 1962, they eloped… and thus the adventure began!

Together, Patricia and Patrick built a life filled with love, laughter, and plenty of miles traveled. They were blessed with two daughters, Kim and Debbie, and a son, Michael Patrick, whom they sadly had to say goodbye to after just a few days due to heart complications. Though his time with them was brief, Michael always held a special place in their hearts.

For 22 years, Patricia embraced life as a military wife, making a home wherever the Air Force sent them. From Florida to California, across the ocean to England, and back again, she learned that home wasn’t necessarily a place, but the people you shared it with. And wherever Patricia went, she made friends along the way.

Patricia never met a stranger, only a friend she hadn’t gotten to know yet. Outgoing, friendly, and always ready with a story, she could strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone and usually did! She had oodles of stories to tell, and a lifetime of adventures to draw from.

When Patrick retired from the Air Force, they still had the itch to travel and explore. They worked a few more years and eventually, they traded their military moves for the open road and set off on a new adventure as full-time RVers. Together, they explored the country, especially enjoying the beauty of Mexico, the Southwest and time spent at one of their favorite places, Pyramid Lake. For Patricia, there was always another road to travel, another story to tell, and another friend waiting to be made.

Of all the adventures life brought her, one of her greatest joys was being Gramma. She loved watching her family grow and celebrating each new chapter in their lives. In September, she was able to witness the weddings of her last two grandchildren to marry, something that meant the world to her. With all five grandchildren now beginning their own married-life adventures, Patricia seemed to feel that she had accomplished one last important thing on her list. Her family was growing, love was carrying on, and with those precious memories tucked into her heart, she was finally ready to rest.

For the past three years, Patricia faced bladder cancer with courage and determination. Although she ultimately became cancer-free, the treatments had taken their toll. But even through the challenges, she still had celebrations to attend, memories to make, and people she loved to cheer on. And she did just that.

Patricia leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, friendship, and a reminder that life is meant to be lived, stories are meant to be shared, and strangers are simply friends you haven’t met yet.

She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 64 years, Patrick LaFortune; her daughters, Kim LaFortune and Debbie Smith; son-in-law, Kimball Smith; grandchildren, Marissa and Morgan Walters, Lindsie and Scott Evans, Hayden and Brookelyn Smith, Christian and TayLee Smith, and Marshall and Morgan Smith; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother Margaret, her brother Ronald Sterling, and her precious son, Michael Patrick.

We like to imagine Mom’s next great adventure has already begun, and knowing her, she’s probably made a few new friends along the way.

We will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 24. Contact Debbie Smith for details.