Patricia Mary Yonkovit

Patricia “Patti” M. Yonkovit (Taber), age 74, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Patti is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 56 years, Peter; their children, Heather (Yonkovit) Hardiman, Peter II (Maria) Yonkovit, and Alexandria (Kyle) McCarthy; and her cherished grandchildren, Taylin and Mackenzie Johnson, and step-grandchildren Adam and Arianna McCarthy.

She will be deeply missed by her seven siblings and in-laws: Joseph (Carol) Taber, James (Mary Jo) Taber, Michael (Lynn) Taber, Theresa (Taber) Frank, Richard (Maureen) Taber, Mark (Linda) Taber, and Mary (Taber) Borucki; Anne (Michael) Bonzyk; Mary (Tom) Yonkovit; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Patti was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, gifted nurse, and proud Gift of Life donor. A true nurse extraordinaire! She graduated from Grand Rapids Junior College before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy. She was a proud member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing. Patti devoted more than 45 years of her nursing career to St. Mary’s (Trinity Health) Hospital, where she touched countless lives with her skill, compassion, and professionalism.

Patti excelled in many areas of nursing, particularly in gastroenterology and MRI Sedation. A lifelong learner, teacher, and leader never afraid to try something new! She served as the President for the Michigan chapter of the National Society of Gastroenterology Nursing Association (MSGNA). She was instrumental in organizing and presenting at numerous conferences through the MSGNA. She will be remembered for her dedication to improving patient care, mentoring new nurses, but most of all for her kindness, confidence, and grace she brought to every interaction.

Family was the center of Patti’s life and her happiness moments were with them. Patti loved spending time with her family and lifelong friends Joe and Linda Smigiel on the shores of Lake Michigan, her “happy place.”Many days were spent on the beach soaking up the sun, admiring the “diamonds on the water”, beautiful sunsets, and floating in the aqua-blue waters she loved. Patti’ strong faith in God allowed her to handle the ups and downs of life as a pillar of strength and courage. She was also a devoted caregiver for her husband for many years, giving her time and heart selflessly. 

Patti’s love language was cooking, and cherished having everyone gathered around her table for family dinner. She never missed a birthday or holiday—Christmas being her absolute favorite. Her home was always filled with the sights, sounds, and scents of the season—music playing, cookies baking, and decorations everywhere.

Her grandchildren filled her heart with boundless love and joy. She treasured “Grammy Days,” sleepovers, arts and crafts, bedtime stories, playing outside, making silly dance videos, cooking together, beach days in Traverse City, library visits, and many more fun adventures. She proudly attended all of her granddaughters school and sporting events, and earning the nickname “Team Cheer Grandma” for her enthusiastic cheering for the whole team. Patti showed up for the people in her life—fully present, loving, and steadfast!

Patti was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Eva Taber; parents-in-law, Alexander and Jane Yonkovit; sisters-in-law, Jeanette and Kathy Yonkovit; brother-in-law, Tom Yonkovit; and many loving aunts, uncles, and several beloved pets.

Patti’s light, love, and legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 11am with a luncheon to follow.

 In honor of Patti we would like to fill the church with her favorite color yellow, and are requesting everyone to wear yellow (or white) if possible. 

Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels or Gift of Life Michigan in remembrance of Patti.