Mary P. “Pat” Birch, age 83, of Dubuque, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus at 6:35 p.m., on Friday, November 10, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family.  In keeping with Pat’s wishes there will not be a public service.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Pat’s family.

Pat was born on April 28, 1940, in San Diego, California, daughter of Truman and Mary (Joyce) Vinson.

Pat moved from California to Paton, Iowa when she was 6 years old, where she graduated from high school.  She married James L. Fox in Paton in 1961. They moved to Ames for 5 years and eventually ended up in Dubuque in 1968.  They began their family together, but sadly would later part ways.  Pat enjoyed going square dancing and clogging and that’s where she would meet Leonard Birch.  The couple fell in love and married 1987, enjoying 17 years together until Leonard passed away on November 27, 2004.  Pat then moved back to Paton, but returned to Dubuque to help her daughter Karen care for foster children.  Pat enjoyed the simple things in life such as reading a good book and tending to her yard, garden and flowers.  Spending time with her family was always Pat’s top priority.  She made the world around her a better place and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Pat’s memory include

her children,
David (Kathy) Fox, Tiffin, IA,
Stephen (Rhonda) Fox, Cave Creek, AZ
and Karen Fox, Dubuque, IA;

6 grandchildren,
Jaime (Kyle) Canamar, Allie Fox, Santana, Ella and Brenna Fox and Emily Griffith;

8 great-grandchildren,
Braiden, Caleb, Parker, Hunter, Bodhi, Fiona, Kamden and Winona;

and her siblings,
Mike (Linda) Batcheller, Escondido, CA,
Kathy Wernimont, Jefferson, IA,
Jaylene Jensen, Urbandale, IA
and Jay Batcheller, Paton, IA.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard Birch; her grandchildren, Lindsay and Jordan; and a nephew, Shane Batcheller.

Pat’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the University of Iowa, Dr. Sara Loetscher and all of the staff of Hospice of Dubuque for the outstanding care they provided for Pat.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Pat’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Mary Birch Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com