Patti J. LeJeune

Patti J. LeJeune, (also affectionately known as “Aunt Paddle”), age 66 of Calumet Township, passed away on January 25th, 2022.

 She is survived by her sisters: Sharon Surdy, Amy LeJeune, Cathy (Tom) Gora, and brother Joseph LeJeune; her niece and nephews:  Eric (Angela) Surdy, Bryan (Melissa) Surdy, Joseph Surdy (Tamara Anderson), Keven (Courtney) Stonehill, Nicole Pammer, Timothy (Lauren) Rhyne, and Thomas Gora Jr.; her great nieces and nephews: Mason, Freya, Olivia, Maddox, Bennett, Joshua, Nathan, Isla, Kaemdon, and Deacon.  She had several fur babies throughout the years, most recently Beauregard “Bo” her dog and Boots, her cat.

Patti is preceded in death by her parents Marian and Edward “Joe” LeJeune; husband Lawrence “Larry” Davis, and nephews Taylor and Cody LeJeune.

Patti graduated from Hammond High School Class of “74”. From there she went on to work in Chicago for a few years.  Patti then became a Journeyman Pipefitter at US Steel in Gary.  Upon being laid off, she began to drive the escort vehicle for wide load semi-tractor trailers.  It was there that she met the love of her life, Larry.  They married in May of 1987.

For the next several years, Patti could be found helping her Mom, Marian, take care of her niece and nephews who attended St. Mary’s School in Griffith.  She would pick them up after school and help them with their homework.  In doing so is how Patti earned her nickname, “Aunt Paddle.”     

When the kids no longer needed her help, Patti then began a new career as a Chemical Lab Technician at Arcelor Mittal in East Chicago.  She retired from there after 22 years of service and during this time, was also a member of the USW Local 1010.

 She thoroughly enjoyed cooking, shopping, baking, and sharing those goodies with her loved ones and neighbors! Patti loved her family dearly, the many friends she made over the years, her fur babies, and listening to rock and roll music. Patti could also be found spending her time researching family ancestry, crocheting, creating silk flower arrangements, gardening, reading books or surfing the internet. Along with her husband Larry, Patti bowled in a league for several years at Bowl Arena in Griffith. 

Patti enjoyed traveling to Orlando (Walt Disney World) and visiting her extended family in Pennsylvania.  One of her favorite trips was a vacation to Hawaii with her husband, Mom, all of her siblings and close friend, Donna Seberger.

Patti had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.  She will be terribly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St.  Joseph Soup Kitchen in Hammond, the Humane Society or Wounded Warrior Project.

Friends may meet with the family on Friday, March 11th, 2022, from 5-8 p.m. at White Funeral Home located at 921 W Glen Park (45th Ave.)

Mass will be held on Saturday, March 12th, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. St. Mary Catholic Church in Griffith, with Father Theodore Mens celebrating. 

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