"I was very sorry to hear of Pats passing. We had many good teen- age memories at the roller rink and working together at the soda fountain at Johnson Drugs Store . She was a fun loving person! Jayne Bourque Zorza"
In loving memory of
PATRICIA J. VanLANGENDON
February 24, 1954 - December 9, 2018
Patricia J. VanLangendon, 64, of Big Bay, died peacefully Sunday morning, December 9, 2018, surrounded by family and under the care of Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice.
Patty was born on February 24, 1954 in Laurium, a daughter of the late Bernard and Caroline (Bartle) Slattery. She grew up in Lake Linden, moving to Marquette with her family at the age of four.
Patty graduated from Marquette Senior High School and also received a Licensed Practical Nurse degree from Northern Michigan University. She spent a long career at Marquette General Hospital eventually retiring from the Cardiac Cath Lab to care for her grandchildren.
Patty formerly loved to roller skate and attend dances at the Baraga Gym. She was as feisty as she was kind, funny and giving. She loved to laugh, tell stories and spend time with family and friends. She had a particular fondness for chocolate, especially Hershey Kisses. Years ago, Patty would hand out good luck kisses to her sons hockey team.
Patty also loved to give hugs. Everyone got a hug, even if she just met you. She continued to give hugs even towards the end and while Patty had numerous friends, we are pretty sure she hugged some random people at Econo Foods.
Pattys greatest pride and joy were definitely her four grandchildren and they loved their Grandma Patty immensely. She had a number of tattoos (yes, Grandma Patty was cooler than your grandma) including a large tattoo on her arm with a star representing each grandchild next to her favorite saying, I love you to the moon and back.
Patty is survived by her husband, Mel, whom she married on August 23, 2004 in Las Vegas; two children, Derek (Kristen) Bressette and Amy (Michael) Havel, both of Marquette; a step-son, Erik VanLangendon also of Marquette; four grandchildren, Luke and Max Bressette, and Eli and Addison Havel; three siblings, Bernard (Lisa) Slattery of Ishpeming, Alice Parker of Marquette and Jerry (Nancy) Slattery of Wausau, WI; her first husband, Michael W. Max Bressette and his wife, Carol Bressette of Negaunee; also many nieces, nephews and other extended family members. Preceding her in death besides her parents was a sister, Carol Barkley and brother-in-law, LeRoy Parker.
A celebration of Pattys life will take place on Tuesday, December 18th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette.
Pattys family would like to extend a special thank you to Rich and Charise Baker for the loan of their therapy dog, Bailey, who was a great comfort in Pattys final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimers Association, 309 S. Front St., Marquette, MI 49855 in Pattys memory.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting Pattys family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"Extending to you and your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy, Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education and Employees"
"Patty will be so missed. Over the years we shared so may laughs, tears and just conversations. Patty made working the night shift FUN. She had a wit and personality that encompassed all who enjoyed her company. We had a group of friends that met at Red Lobster. We had such a good time. She will be remembered by each one of us. I will treasure the memories. Barb Kushwara"
"Thinking of you Mel and family. Patty was a wonderful person and so fun to be around! You made a great pair."
"I will always remember Patty as being the one telling her witty stories, and laughing about all the stupid things that people do in their lives. Her wonderful sense of humor and smile would light up every room she was in. Rest in peace my friend. "
"patty was such a special person, i'm so sorry to hear of her passing. she will always remain in our hearts"
"Dear Family of Patty, I am so sorry for your loss of a really neat gal. We became acquainted several years ago on her trips on the bike path. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Lois Kampe"
"Dear Mel, Derek, Amy and Family My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time in all of our lives. Pat was a dear person and a wonderful friend to me for the past 35 years. I often told her that "she was a better friend to me then I was to her", and that was the truth. We first met at our sons testing for Kindergarten back in the early 80's, and we soon became lifelong friends. I have so many memories of going to Hardee's with the kids in the morning for breakfast and many times going to Big Boy for lunches after Kinder. ( I never said we had the best diet plan); But fun, we sure had our share. I remember the time we dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head for the girls Kindergarten Halloween Party. Pat was always coming up with fun ideas to break up the monotony of long winter school days. She got me involved in more school volunteer projects than I can count, (or wanted) but we always had fun and laughs galore. Pat adored Derek and Amy and even though she hid her stash of Chocolate when they had sleepovers, she was sure to share her love of life, and laughter with all. In the past few years my grand children had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Pat and Mel in Marquette and up in Big Bay. They always looked forward to seeing her smiling face. I know how much her own grandchildren meant to Pat, and she really does love them "to the moon and back"! Until we meet again my dear friend, I will hold you close in thought, and closer in my heart. Rest peacefully.....Always and forever. Mary Dawson"
"Dear Mel and Family of Patty's: I am so so heartbroken and so sorry to hear of Patty's passing. I so enjoyed our "hugs" every Monday night at lakeview Arena when I saw her there watching her grandsons Hockey games, and while I was there skating myself. I always enjoyed our times together working in the Nursing Office with our "Special Patty". She always brightened my shifts whenever I saw her on duty. She was a favorite of mine, and we had a special friendship, especially with her bubbly personality. I will never forget her. Again my condolences to you all. Sending my love to you Patty in heaven."
"Mel, Derek, Amy, and Erik, Patty will be missed by all of us in Green Bay and we want you to know that she was a fabulous sister-in-law and friend. Her smile is forever in our hearts and minds - forever!! Rest in peace Patty - we will see you again in time!! Love, Esther, Debbie, Cathy, Nancy, Frank and Doris and our families. "