Birgetta (Patterson) Gilles passed away November 17, 2017 at the age of 96.

She was born on April 14, 1921, the daughter of Adeline (Bauman) and Joseph Bueche. She graduated from Our Lady in Chesaning, MI. She married William Patterson on February 7, 1945. They made their home with their six children on South Clark Street in Chesaning; the same home Birgetta grew up in as a child. 

Religion was a very important part of Birgetta's life and it gave her the strength to endure. As an adult, she suffered several unexpected losses.  William passed away in June 1971 at the age of 52. Nine years later, in June 1980, her youngest child, Karen, died at the age of 15 as a result of a brain tumor. The most recent loss was her oldest son, Bill, who died in May 2014 due to diabetic complications at the age of 68.

Through the years, Birgetta had worked for a brief time at Farmer Peet Packing Company and later worked at Cowman's, a local clothing store, in Chesaning. She was a caretaker by nature, always enjoyed helping others, and made frequent visits to the local senior home. Playing cards was her all-time favorite pastime.

After being widowed for 16 years, Birgetta was fortunate to become reacquainted with an old friend from her school days, Edward Gilles, from Bay City. Birgetta left Chesaning for the first time in 66 years and moved to Bay City where she married Ed in September 1987. Ed's son, Joe, and his family were a welcomed addition to the Patterson family. Birgetta and Ed had 8 ½ beautiful years together before he passed away in February 1996 as a result of ALS. 

Birgetta moved back to Chesaning where she lived until December 2013 at the age of 92. At this time, she was moved into an adult care facility in the Lansing area which was centrally located for her children. After suffering a stroke in December 2014, she was moved to Safe Haven Assisted Living in Okemos where she received loving care and companionship. Her family enjoyed visits and family celebrations while she resided at Safe Haven. These final years shared with family and friends were a joy. 

Surviving are her children: Michael (Victoria) Patterson, St. Clair, MI; Mary Ann (David) Punke, Fox Lake, IL; Nancy (Mark) Crowl, Dowagiac, MI; Thomas (Jane Grulke) Patterson, Perry, MI; daughter-in-law, Marge Patterson ( Bill), Eaton Rapids, MI; step-son, Joe (Cindy) Gilles, Bay City, MI; 15 grandchildren; and 27 great grandchildren.

Her surviving siblings are: Marie Adams, Chesaning, MI; Kathleen Chilton, Grand Rapids, MI; Margaret Jackelwicz, Clio, MI; Kenn (Carol) Bueche, Chesaning, MI; and Charlotte (Jack) Bila, Chesaning, MI

Siblings preceding her in death were: Louise Kowalesky, Wilfred Bueche, Robert Bueche, Norbert Bueche, and her parents, and step-mother, Florence Bueche.

A cremation has taken place and a celebration mass is scheduled for the afternoon of December 6, 2017 at 3 pm in Chesaning, MI at St. Peter's Catholic Church.