Obituary of Patricia J. Covey

Patricia J. “Patty Jo” Covey, beloved mother, grandmother, sisterand 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, Gwendolyn Neff of Jackson, OH; her three children, Roderic A. (Kathie) Covey of Canton; Craig S. Covey of Ferndale, MI; and Lisa A. Covey of Winslow, ME; her three grandchildren, Ashley Covey and Brandon Covey of Canton, OH and Justin Burgher of Winslow, ME; former husband W. Roderic Covey of N. Canton; nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Charley. She was preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine Wylie; her father, Ashford Wylie; and brother Charles Wylie. She was born Jan. 29, 1929 in Athalia, OH and grew up on a farm, originally known as Wylie Orchards, where she developed a strong work ethic early in her life as she picked apples and strawberries with her brother and sister. She fondly referred to Athalia as “down home” all her life. She was an A student in high school, where she was a cheerleader and valedictorian of her graduating 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 University 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 summers in Maine with Lisa and Justin. In 2012, she made her home near Lisa and Justin in Winslow, MEwhere she enjoyed the pleasures of living independently. She was a longtime member of the Methodist Church and attended Zion United Methodist Church in Perry Township prior to moving to Maine. In Maine, 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 artistwithwater 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 vegetables. Friends and family appreciated her sweet spirit, sense of humor, acceptance of all people, and easy-going attitude, as demonstrated by her marching with her son in the Columbus GayPride parade in 1991. 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 will be loved, missed, remembered and honored forever. Please join us in honoring Patty Jo at an outdoor memorial 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 at 3:00; rain date Sunday, July 20, 2014. Six trees/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 please be made in her memory to either Hospice of Waterville, P.O. Box 200, Waterville, ME04903 or the Homeless Shelter of Waterville, 19 Colby St., Waterville, ME 04901.