Patricia Ann "Patt" (Mapes) Brown

Patricia Ann "Patt" (Mapes) Brown, 93, of Battle Creek died January 3, 2021 at home in the arms of her loving husband of 73 years, Robert L. Brown.

Patt was born November 22, 1927 in Battle Creek the daughter of Paul Leander and Cereda Irene (Sykes) Mapes. She was a lifelong member of the community, graduating in 1946 from Battle Creek Central High School followed by a career at the Kellogg Company, first as a tour guide, and later in production and quality control, retiring in 1991.

Patricia Ann "Patt" Mapes was united in marriage to Robert L. Brown on July 4, 1947 at the Seventh Day Baptist Church in Battle Creek. Surviving are Robert, her husband of over 73 years; daughter, Leslie (Lynn Shafer) Brown of New Gloucester, Maine; son, Bryan (Wade Handrich) Brown of Holt, MI, son-in-law Danny Belt of Battle Creek, MI, former daughter-in-law Patricia Ann Brown of Charlotte, MI, seven grandchildren, Carlo Porter, Benjamin Porter, Richard Porter, Jessica (Harlan) Goodrich, Geoffrey (Morgan)Belt, Elyse (Eric) Donahue, Will Shafer; five great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Patt was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Larry Porter; a daughter, Brenda Belt; and brother, Richard E. Mapes.

Patt lived a rich and fulfilling life of family, work, travel, and volunteer work that included her many interests. While building their home from the ground up, Robert and Patt raised their four children. In addition to raising children and work, she managed to volunteer, initially in organizations and groups that involved her children. She held leadership positions with the local 4-H group, Girl Scouting and the PTA, rising to the occasion when openings appeared despite stretching outside her comfort zone on occasion.

Her drive for sustained learning kept her continually enrolled in various classes and workshops throughout her adult life. She maintained a steady diet of adult education and later, both Patt and Robert were active in their senior years with Elder Hostel and later Institute for Learning in Retirement through KCC. Some classes provided travel opportunities that when combined with family and personal travel included all 50 States, parts of Canada and Mexico. She especially enjoyed Hawaii, Alaska and her Mississippi Stern Wheeler Boat Cruise.

Patt shared enthusiasm for the performing arts and derived great pleasure from attending both theater and musical performances, holding season tickets and sharing them with friends and family. The Civic Theater, The Barn Theater, Franke Center, Battle Creek Symphony and Brass Band were some of her favorites. These performances provided early exposure and fun family outings for her children and later became ritual at holidays and special occasions, an event to look forward to and share.

Her other passions, during her years of volunteering extended but not limited, to plants and animals. After years of maintaining her own gardens, she became a member and active volunteer at the Leila Arboretum as a Master Gardner. Her love of animals led her to various volunteer roles at the Binder Park Zoo. She mentored young students at Ann J Kellogg School and provided support work in various capacities for Hospice.

Patt loved spending time with her family; it would not be surprising to find her square dancing, golfing, playing cards and dominos or board games in a spirited, lively and sometimes competitive manner. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and volunteer; though small in stature. . . .she remained an energetic and assertive force. Her uncanny ability to find humor, even in life's rough moments, sustained her and remained an enduring asset. She was loved by all whom knew her.

Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home, where a Private service to celebrate Patt's life will be officiated by Pastor Tim Smother's 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2021. The service will be recorded and May be viewed at https://vimeo.com/user112006878/review/498998053/eed61e7929. Interment will be held later.

Memorial contributions may be made to Leila Arboretum Society, 928 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49037. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.