Pat Cole

Patricia Helen Sowers joined the angels and her baby boy, Steven Allen, in heaven on September 26th, 2022 after passing peacefully in her home. Pat was a few weeks shy of turning 85 years old. 

 

Pat was born on October 17th, 1937 to Delbert Pearson & Clovis “Toni” Powell-Gruginski. Pat was later adopted by Ronald Sowers. Pat graduated from South Bend High School in 1956 and was a super fan of the South Bend Indians for the rest of her life. Pat was Mommy to Karen Clements, Marvin “Moose” Clements Jr., and Steven Clements. Pat’s three kids were her world. Up until her passing, Pat still referred to her kids as her babies.

 

Pat held many careers throughout her life to include Coast Seafoods, South Bend Laundry Mat, and even some waitressing here and there. However, the one job that Pat had that she held the closest to her heart was her 30 plus years of service she dedicated to the South Bend School District. Pat’s kids at school were everything to her. Most probably remember her as Mrs. Hurley or Mrs. Cole. Pat kept every photo and every newspaper clipping of her kids from school. Teaching and helping others was one of her favorite things to do. 

When Pat wasn’t at the school, she enjoyed being a mom, traveling with girlfriends, enjoying the farm on Smith Creek, and wood working. Those that knew Pat knew she was an extremely talented artist and she crafted wooden sculptures and painted them. Holidays with the family were Pat’s absolute favorite as well. Everyone always had to stay at Pat’s on Christmas Eve and wake up at 5am to open presents. Pat was always up before the sun. And if you knew Pat, you knew she had every item QVC offered on the television. QVC would send Pat Christmas cards each year- that’s how much she shopped from them. 

 

Pat dedicated her life to the Lord. Pat’s faith is something that carried her through and through. Pat always had a cross around her neck and angels surrounded her house. Pat was especially fond of the Lebam Community Church. 

 

Pat is preceded in death by her son, Steven Clements, her parents Delbert Pearson, Ron Sowers & Clovis Gruginski, her brother William Pearson who passed away in the Vietnam War, and her best friends for life, Don & Darlene Weisel. 

 

Pat is survived by her children Karen Clements and Moose Clements. Pat was “Grammy” to and is also survived by her grandchildren who she loved dearly- Matt Clements, Dallas Clements, Payton Clements, Tucker Clements, Cameron Clements, and Hunter Clements. Pat kept every newspaper clipping and photo she could of her grandkids. They truly made her world go round. Being Grammy was her favorite role. 

 

Pat is also survived by some of her very best friends who’s friendship she valued dearly- Judy Johnson and Linda Johnson. In addition, Pat is survived by her bonus daughters, the Weisel sisters- Aimee, Susie, and Paula. 

A private burial will be held at Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo, WA. 

 

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the South Bend School District in Pat’s name. 

Pat had this prayer hanging on her refrigerator up until she passed: “Lord, You are the wind in my sails, You guide me as I steer and find direction, You give me strength to keep on going, You watch over me as I navigate stormy seas, You are the harbor where I stop for rest, You are my encourager when I lose hope, You are the lighthouse that keeps my path safe, You are with me always. Thank you, Amen.” 

 

Pat has always been our angel, she is now with us always and her prayers will continue to protect us all.