Patricia "Pat" Joan (Harvey) Kunitz's Obituary
Patricia (Pat) Joan Kunitz, 89, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 11, 2023 in the tender and loving care of her daughter Veronica and son-in-law John Schoombie in Provo, Utah.
Pat was born on February 26, 1934 in Cape Town, South Africa to her parents William and Cecilia Harvey. She was the “best Birthday present” as she was born on her only sibling, Sheila’s 6th Birthday. The Harvey’s moved to Pretoria in the central region of South Africa and it was there that Pat met her sweetheart Ronnie.
During their long courtship, she served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Durban, South Africa. They were later married on December 9, 1961 and sealed in the London temple on 27 July 1963 . Pat and Ron moved to Durban, South Africa where they enjoyed life close to the bright blue Indian ocean and plenty of sunshine. They welcomed two beautiful daughters, their “favorite” eldest, Veronica and “favorite” youngest, Mandy into their family and were loving and devoted parents to their girls. Pat and Ron loved spending time together and took their girls on many exciting “expeditions” to beautiful places in Southern Africa with their extended family.
Pat loved to read and had an exceptional memory. She was a great listener with a delightfully dry sense of humor and a sharp wit. She enjoyed stimulating conversations with her family, many friends and visitors on a variety of topics. She belonged to a community Women’s Institute and her favorite activity with her many friends there was performing in plays together.
Pat loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and served as a teacher and leader in Relief Society, Sunday School, Young Women, Primary and Institute. She supported her husband as he served in leadership callings in the Church, both in South Africa and later in Tooele, Utah where they moved in 1996. They later moved to Provo, Utah with their daughter Veronica and her husband John and their grandson Ryan. They both continued to serve others as far as their health allowed, sharing their gifts of kindness and compassion with them.
Pat’s beloved husband Ron and their precious daughter Mandy, both preceded her in death. She missed them dearly and expressed feeling the burdens of her aging body and a readiness to see them again.
Pat leaves behind her loving, caring and devoted daughter Veronica and son-in-law John, as well as her loving grandson Ryan, his wife Samantha and great-grandson Ryker. Also, her constant companion, “Tiger” the family’s Jack Russel who never left her side.
Grateful thanks to Dr. Patel and the Hospice Team.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the Edgemont 14th Ward Chapel, 4200 N, Foothill Drive, Provo 84604 at 10.00am. A Family prayer will be held at 9.30am prior to the Funeral.
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