Patricia Donze
In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Sister and Chi Chi, Patricia Donze
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our oldest sister, Patricia, who left this world too soon on September 15th. She was preceded in death by our loving parents, Michael and Hiroko Donze, our dear grandparents, Wilbur and Vera Donze, and our niece Abilene.
Patricia is survived by her siblings, Michael Donze of St. Louis.
Wilbur, Jenna (Thomas), and Avery Donze of St. Louis
Elaine (Donze), Jimmy, Jaylen, Kai, Journey, and Hiro Jackson of Caruthersville.
Teri (Chu) , Jake, and Annika Johnson of Kansas City. She was cherished by her extended family and countless friends whose lives she touched over the years.
Patricia was born in Guam and graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School. She went on to become a proud alumna of the University of Missouri and Columbia College. She was passionate about her work and colleagues at Veterans United, where she made a meaningful impact and found fulfillment.
A selfless individual, Patricia consistently put others before herself. Her nieces and nephews meant the world to her. She was always ready for travel adventures with her family and friends. She possessed an unwavering loyalty that endeared her to all who knew her. Her kindness and genuine nature made her a true friend, beloved by many.
As we celebrate her life, we remember Patricia’s beautiful soul and her profound impact on everyone she encountered. May her memory be a source of comfort and strength for us all, and may she rest in eternal peace.
Memorial Service: September 24th from 10:00-1:00 at St. Louis Cremation’s St. Peters Chapel. 320 Jungermann Road, St. Peters, 63376.
I didn’t know her as well as some, but what I did know is that she had a light in her that shined bright and she definitely lit up a room when she entered. She had a wonderful sense of humor and I could always just start up a conversation with her at any given moment. Her absence will be missed severely and It’s going to be hard not seeing her every day. You will always be a beacon of motivation and someone to admire, no matter where the next life takes you, Patricia!!
My universe is less bright without her. It has been my honor to be her friend. She effortlessly brought out the best in those she loved. Her quiet strength and affection bridged any gap of any relationship. She always listened and gave her friends her unwavering support. You feel loved and cherished in her presence. The best human being I know.
Zikhrono Livrakha. May her memory be a blessing.
Patricia shared so much love and care. I was fortunate to know her. She will be greatly missed.
We were so shocked and heartbroken to hear of Patricia’s passing. She was a great member of the SGI-USA in Webster District. It was always a joy to see her. We just saw her the Sunday before her passing, and she was kind and honest as usual. SHe helped make us better people and always had great thoughts to share. She will be truly missed. My condolences to Michael, Wilbur and Elaine.
My heart goes out to all of us who treasure Patricia – especially those who she impacted frequently. I hadn’t been in contact with her for a long time and the place she holds in my heart remains as strong as the last I saw her.
Patricia gave me my Butsudan 24 years ago. It was given to her and is dated and signed in the back. The deal is to ‘pass it on’ when I upgrade. I love this Butsudan SO MUCH, and the beautiful spirit in which it was gifted to me, that I don’t know it will ever be passed along in my lifetime. That’s the power of Nichiren Buddhism and I feel this Butsudan’s blessing in my home constantly. I’m wishing everyone a peaceful and loving grieving period and that the joys of your bonds with Patricia quickly supercede all feelings of loss. BLESSING her beautiful memory!
I am so heartbroken that Patricia has passed. We lived just a 5-minute walk from each other in Takata-cho, Rikuzentakata-shi, Iwate-ken, Japan from 2005 to 2008. We were both Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) on the JET Program. We were both considered older JETs as we were in our 30s and due to being older and living so close to each other, we got along really well. We loved to go out and eat, and explore, but we weren’t party people. My fondest memories are when we went to Sendai, Miyagi-ken, for day trips.
We traveled to many places in Japan together, and Denise Thomas and I will remember our December 2007 trip to Malaysia-Singapore-Bali trip so fondly. Another amazing memory is going to Sapporo, Japan during the Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival). I got to stay with Patricia’s aunt, uncle, and cousins. Connecting with her Japanese roots was so important to Patricia, and I was so honoured to be a part of that. They were absolutely amazing people, and welcomed me with open arms. We had so much fun amongst the ice and snow!
I am devastated that I was not able to reunite with Patricia since returning home to Canada. We did keep in touch on Facebook, and FB Messenger, and we hoped to connect one day in person one day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. That never happened, but I will remember Patricia fondly, when I go in the future.
Patricia and I shared a lot of our personal lives with each other. I know that she had to delay her move to Japan by one year due to family tragedy. I lost my father during my time in Japan, and Patricia helped me immensely with her support during that difficult time.
She was simply an amazing person, friend, and QUEEN.
My heart goes out to her family, friends, colleagues, etc.
Patricia left an impact on anyone who was fortunate enough to call her a friend, mentor or teammate. My journey in life was enriched by her presence and memories of her will stay with me always.
Patricia will be missed. She had such a beautiful spirit. Her passing reminds me of the preciousness of life. Her light will continue to shine.
I was really shocked to know that Patricia passed away all of sudden in the car accident. She was always bright and positive here in Japan, too. We enjoyed talking with her. It’s still unbelievable, but she once lived in Rikuzen Takata in Japan is real and she left her foot print here is real. May God comfort her soul and put her in peaceful rest.