Patricia J. Covey - January 29, 1929 to June 27, 2014

Patricia J. “Patty Jo” Covey, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, formerly of Canton, OH, passed away peacefully in her home after a brief illness on June 27, 2014.  She is survived by her sister, Gwen Neff of Jackson, OH; her three children, Roderic A. (Kathie) Covey of Canton; Craig  Covey of Ferndale, MI; and Lisa A. Covey of Winslow, ME; her three grandchildren, Ashley Covey and Brandon Covey of Canton, and Justin Burgher of Winslow, ME; former husband W. Roderic Covey of N. Canton; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Geraldine Wylie and Ashford Wylie; and brother Charlie.

 

She was born Jan. 29, 1929 in Athalia, OH and grew up on a farm, originally known as Wylie Orchards.  She picked apples and strawberries with her brother and sister. She always referred to Athalia as “down home”. She was an A student, cheerleader and valedictorian of her class.  She was active in 4H and won an Ohio State Fair blue ribbon for a dress she made. She was graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Ohio State and worked at Stern & Mann’s as a graphic designer after college, prior to becoming a full-time homemaker. In later years she also applied her artistic skills at Jane Skinner Academy and Framer’s Workshop in Canton.

 

She lived most of her life in Canton, OH where she raised her three children. In recent years she lived with her son Rod (Kathie) in Ohio, spent time with Craig in Michigan and in Maine with Lisa and Justin.  In 2012, she made her home near Lisa and Justin in Winslow, ME where she enjoyed the pleasures of living independently.

She was a longtime member of the Methodist Church and attended Zion United Methodist Church in Canton prior to moving to Maine, where she became involved with Winslow Congregational Church.

She enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of several card clubs through the years. She had a green thumb, inside and out, excelled in arts and crafts, and was a skilled artist with water colors, pastels, oils and acrylics. She enjoyed reading, playing games on the computer, knitting, doing puzzles, participating in Facebook, and summertime gardening of flowers and tomatoes.

 

Friends and family appreciated her sweet spirit, sense of humor, acceptance of all people, and easy-going attitude. She marched with her son Craig in the Columbus Gay Pride parade in 1991 and she was in Ferndale when he was elected mayor of that city in 2007.  All her children and grandchildren benefited from her kindness, wisdom, full support and unconditional love. Her spirit lives on in our hearts, and will live on in the kind actions we take towards one another. She taught her kids acceptance, love of nature, and charity for others.

An outdoor memorial garden party takes place on July, 19, 2014, followed by a reception with food, live music, and sharing at her and Lisa’s homes on S. Garand St. in Winslow, Maine at 3:00; rain date Sunday, July 20, 2014. Six trees and bushes, representing her children and grandchildren, will be planted in her honor on the properties. In lieu of flowers, the family and Patty Jo have requested that donations be made in her memory to Hospice of Waterville, P.O. Box 200, Waterville, ME 04903 or the Homeless Shelter of Waterville, 19 Colby St., Waterville, ME 04901.

 Online condolences may be shared at directcremationofmaine.com.