Barbara Joan Patt's Obituary
Barbara Joan Patt (née Kanka) (July 4, 1942 - December 28, 2022)
Barbara was born on the fourth of July in 1942 - in Detroit, Michigan - to a large Polish family which included seven brothers and sisters.
She grew up in and around the streets of the Polish Hamtramck culture. As a young child Barbara attended Catholic grade school, as well as Detroit White Elementary. She attended Cleveland Junior High and then Pershing High School in Detroit. At age 18, she married Richard E. Patt (who had just finished four years in the Navy). They married at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Detroit. The family eventually moved to Birmingham, Michigan (near Pierce School) where they raised their four children. Many years were enjoyed walking the streets of downtown Birmingham and enjoying the peace at Quarton Lake.
Barbara was a devoted mother to her four children: her eldest son Michael R. (Brenda), son Richard J., son Jonathan E., and her daughter, Jacqueline D. (Tim). ‘Mimi’ is also survived by her six grandchildren: eldest Josephine (Corey), Jake, Christina, Joy, Elizabeth, and youngest, Mary.
As a young woman, Barbara studied at Royal Oak School of Business and Pontiac Business Institute. With these skills, she worked for the State of Michigan at the Royal Oak office. Throughout her life she enjoyed nature, her various pet cats and dogs, walking, and swimming at Addison Oaks Park and the Birmingham YMCA. She traveled to Florida and up North Michigan, always by car, driving long road trips. Her Christian faith was central in her life. She was an avid reader and much of her collection was spiritual. In the last months of her life she found comfort in the writings of her Confirmation saint, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
Barbara passed from this life, in her home, on December 28, 2022. Her physical presence on this earth will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren.
Funeral Mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, Troy, Michigan. Saturday, January 28, 2023. Visitation will be Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 9:30 A.M. and the service will be held at 10:00 o’clock.
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