Mary Pat (Zick) Deputy

Mary Pat Deputy “MP”, 82, of Elkhart passed away peacefully with a heart filled with Love and Gratitude at home on July 4th, 2022.

Mary Patricia (Mary Pat, MP) was born on August 30, 1939 in Benton Harbor MI to the late Gilbert M. and Frances C. (Dillon) Zick.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years Robert (Bob) Deputy; their five children and spouses: Anne & Vince Von Der Vellen, Cathy & Kevin O’Connor, John & Lewis Anne Deputy, Megan & Troy Baughman, and Mike Deputy (fiance Haley Sullivan). She is also survived by the joys of her life - Her 17 grandchildren: Hannah & Allison Von Der Vellen; Bridget (fiance Jaret Yadlosky), Colin, Dylan, Katie, and Will O’Connor; Emily, Jack, David, Ashley, Laura Deputy; Caroline, Michael, and Joe Baughman; Max and Sam Deputy. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters – in-law: Tom Deputy, Dick Deputy (Denise Oyler), Larry & Sherrod Deputy, Peter & Lisa Deputy. Her parents Gilbert and Frances Zick and daughter-in-law, Mandi, brother-in-law Bill Deputy, sister-in-law Peggy Deputy, preceded her in death.

MP and her family are so blessed and filled with gratitude for the love and support of her special caregivers, Eileen Martin, Christina Schrader, Cathy Sherck, Francine Copley, Lupe Watson, and the advice and counsel of Dr. Sam Borrelli and Lisa Staggs.

Mary Pat attended St Joseph Grade School, St Mary’s Academy (South Bend), and St Mary’s College. She taught school at O’Brien Elementary School in South Bend. After moving to Elkhart, she taught school at Samuel Strong Elementary School before staying home to raise a family. She was posthumously awarded and recognized with honors a PhD in Parenting and Grandparenting from the prestigious Deputy Family Institute of Higher Learning. It was a unanimous vote. She was a very involved mom volunteering in classrooms, being a member of the school PTA’s, running carpools for all of her children’s numerous activities and helping where needed for her children’s sports teams. She was a huge Notre Dame fan and avid sports fan. She was a member of the Junior League of South Bend, a member of St Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, and Elcona Country Club.

She loved to travel and entertain with family and friends. The adventure of a lifetime in the summer of 1962 to Hawaii ignited her curiosity and passion for meeting people and exploring new places especially warmer climates. For 30 years, she looked forward to escaping the cold Indiana winters to spend time in Southwest Florida. She loved the sun, beach, playing mahjong. She felt very blessed that she had the opportunity to travel the world, meet people, and experience different cultures. Mary Pat always knew she wanted to be a mom and have a large family. She created a welcoming home that was a gathering place for family and friends. She loved being around people and entertaining. While she never fully embraced cooking as one of her God-given gifts…making reservations and finding the best caterers became a skill set few could rival. More than anything she loved having her family at home – especially her grandchildren - and the chaotic activity that came with it. Her dream of a family compound was realized with a cottage on Klinger Lake, where family and friends could gather and create lasting memories. Her legacy and greatest joy were her 5 children and 17 grandchildren and her enduring love of her 57-year marriage to her husband Bob. He lovingly referred to her as “First Prize”, “Hello Gorgeous”, and “Queen”. She lived life according to her values: FAITH. FAMILY. FRIENDS.

Visitation will be at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home on Thursday July 7th from 3:00 pm until 7:00pm. For those wishing to attend, the Holy Rosary will be recited at 2:30 pm, also on Thursday at the funeral home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, Bristol IN on Friday July 8th at 11:00am. The Rev. Robert Van Kempen will officiate.  Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Mary Pat’s name can be directed to: Elkhart Women’s Care Center 229 W. Marion St. Elkhart, IN 46516 or the charity of one's choice.

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