Patricia Ann Walsh

May 26, 1927 - August 24, 2020

Patricia Walsh was the matriarch of the Walsh family. She is preceded in death by her younger brother Bill (Diane) and younger sister Mary Kay (Marty); survived by her brothers, Dan (Carol) and Tom (the late Margie), her cousin and lifelong best friend, Joann Schrotzberger, as well as over 80 nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Pat also leaves behind legions of people to whom she was their beloved Aunt Pat, regardless of family affiliation. She was the first-born to Frank R. and Eileen (Sullivan) Walsh, and the first member of the family to obtain a college degree, earning a B.A. from Marygrove College and a Masters’ degree from the University of Michigan. Pat wore many hats during her 93 wonderful years: educator, counselor, travel agent, and Director at United Way, to name a few. A known adventurer and world traveler, she went to Ireland at the age of 91, having to corral her younger brothers into the trip. She visited her younger brother Tom when he was stationed overseas in the Army. She loved sailing, rode the bullet train into Kyoto, and visited her ancestral roots in Ireland numerous times. A fiercely devoted Aunt, mentor, and friend, she took care of everyone in her life in small or grand ways, whether it be the annual Christmas ornament she sent to her great nieces and nephews, having a direct hand in raising all of her nieces and nephews (with many living with her at one point), or providing guidance to a star high school basketball player in Detroit to get him to the University of Michigan team. Pat opened her heart to those who crossed her path, giving all she could to enrich the lives of those around her, in turn enriching her own life endlessly. Family was of utmost importance to her. She was the family archivist and genealogist, tracking generations back in Ireland, and compiling family history books to educate the younger generations. Thanksgiving family reunions were a tradition held dear. Each of us has wonderfully cherished memories of Pat; her love is her legacy. Pat recently reflected ,“You think sometimes, I should have done this or could have done that. But when you look back over it, it was a great life.” We agree wholeheartedly.