Patricia Bjorland was born to David and Winifred Roberts on October 10, 1939, in Doncaster, England. She was the youngest of three children. She passed away in Blue Springs, Missouri on June 10, 2023, at the age of 83.
When Patricia was born England had just joined WWII. Her family faced hardships during the war, including being bombed out of their home, living through nights that were spent in blackout, and going to a bomb shelter during air raids. Following the war Patricia attended an all girls Catholic school for her primary and secondary education.
When she turned 14 Patricia worked at a pharmaceutical packaging factory to help raise money so her family could immigrate to the United States. At the age of 15, they entered the United States and her family settled in the small town of Lamoni, Iowa where she was able to attend 2 years of high school and two years of Graceland College.
Once Patricia finished at Graceland she relocated to Independence, Missouri where she worked at Hallmark for a while doing line drawings for cards. When she left Hallmark she went to House of Heavilin Beauty College to become a beautician.
As a young adult she spent a lot of time with the Stone Church Youth Group. She sang in the Messiah Choir and in the Auditorium Coral.
In 1963 she met Ronald Bjorland at Doutts Lake in Independence, Missouri. They were married on November 20, 1965. Eventually they settled in Blue Springs, Missouri and had two daughters. She then went back to work for Hallmark, working for the Keepsakes Department painting Christmas ornaments. On November 29,1976 she proudly became a citizen of The United States of America.
Patricia’s passions were art, volunteering time at church, and being a member of the Blue Springs Sunset Optimist Club. She taught Sunday school for a time and spent years creating crafts for the Colonial Hills Kids Club to make at Christmas time. Patricia annually decorated the church for the Colonial Hills Easter Eggstravaganza and Breakfast with Santa.
Patricia is proceeded in death by her brother, David Roberts; her parents, David Roberts and Winifred Roberts; her daughter, Christina Bjorland; and her sister, Winifred Richardson. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Bjorland; daughter, Maureen Gibb and husband Michael Gibb; and grandchildren, Gavin Gibb, Gracelyn Gibb and Gwenyth Gibb.
A visitation will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Colonial Hills Community of Christ in Blue Springs, MO 3539 MO-7, Blue Springs, MO. The visitation will be followed by a celebration of life/memorial at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Colonial Hills Community of Christ Youth Group. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs, MO. Memories of Patricia and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing.
Maureen, I am sorry to learn of the loss of your Mom. I have been there and memories come and go forever. Thank God!