"Allow the light and the healing presence of Christ to shine brightly through your lives. In that way, all those who come in contact with you will discover the loving kindness of God."

— St. Pope John Paul II

‍Patricia Marie Van DeVoorde of Clermont, Florida passed away peacefully in her sleep, on March 11th, 2025.  She was born on May 21, 1933,in Creston, Iowa to Theresa and Johnnie Minard.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Hubert, and her sister Theresa Jean Watts.

Pat married the love of her life, Dr. Hubert Edward Van De Voorde, on August 17th,1960. Pat lived in Moline, Illinois for over 30 years. She was a devoted mother to Mary Therese, Mark Henry, Steven Patrick and Linda Marie – as well as an Oma to her most beloved grandson Tyler.

While raising her family in Moline IL, Pat achieved three college degrees in Library Science, English Literature, and later English Writing, authoring several books in prose & poetry she published.

Pat and her lifelong best friend, Helen Doehler, owned the antique shop "De Kleine Winkel". She was an avid writer and lover of arts, creating short stories, poetry. She helped with the restoration of the Quad City art museum (now the illustrious Figge) in Davenport IA, working as an incredible assistant to the then curator. Though she was an "unseen catalyst", Pat executed phenomenal and inconceivable outcomes, inspiring others in ripple effects of love and generosity.

She embraced her relatives and friends with a generosity and unconditional love that will be sorely missed. Her unwavering devotion to God and the Catholic Church, involving herself in various outreach groups – an instiller of prayerful devotion, wise counsel, and enthusiasm for life, spreading light and kindness in a way that is unquestionable, and the loss of it undeniable.

After retiring to Clermont Florida with her beloved Hubert, the two remained avid philanthropists, involved in their new community & church. They delivered Meals on Wheels, participated in tutoring and student mentorship with South Lake high School students, and were devoted members of the Friends of the Library committees. Pat was also a dedicated Clermont Garden Club secretary and vice president. Pat's projects included: establishing parks such as Lake Louisa, advocated for reading programs in libraries, supporting the creation of Emergency Pregnancy Services, working at radio stations reading for people that were blind, DAR & League of Women Voters, and teaching ecumenical practices toward worldwide Christian unity by example and her service to others. In a time where women were just gaining footing in their own name, Pat strove every single day to be her own woman and lead by example. We are lucky to have had her, distraught to have lost such an incredible example of the woman we aspire towards, and honored to have an unforgettable woman to write an obituary for.

Donations in Pat Van De Voorde's honor can be made to Pristine waters and dog therapy. Instructions are below.

She held a very special place in the hearts of many.  May her memory be eternal and always cherished.

Instructions for Memorial Donation in Honor of Pat:

1.     Go to https://rogersbhfoundation.org/give/

2.     Scroll down to complete the form for a one-time online donation (or monthly if so desired).

3.     After typing in your desired donation amount, please select Gift Designation intended towards "Canine-Assisted Intervention (CAI)". It is the second-to-last option in the drop-down menu under Gift Designation. (See below screenshot for example)

4.     Click the box for "This gift is made in memory of:" and type in "Patricia Marie Van De Voorde".

5.     Fill in your personal donor details and submit! Thank you.