E. Patricia (DeRoche) Phare "Pat"

Ishpeming, MI- Pat Phare's journey on earth ended September 5, 2022, where she had resided at Valente (MCMCF) since the 1 ^st of July 2022.  She has been united with her Lord and Savior.

Pat was born on St. Patrick's Day March 17, 1932, in North Lake location, Ishpeming MI.  She was the eldest child of five, of Myrtle (Anderson) and Peter DeRoche.  She lived in North Lake as a girl and always had a fondness for life there, and the times she spent with siblings, Nancy, George, Kathy and Mary.

Pat was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, class of 1950.  After graduation she went to Business School in Manitowoc WI.  And on one particular day when she arrived home by train, she was welcomed back by Sid Phare, whom she had met in her sophomore year. Pat said her life was changed forever.  They became engaged and married in May of 1951 and settled in Ishpeming to start a life together.  Pat & Sid welcomed their first child in 1952, Nancy, with Susan and Judi to follow in the next five years.

Sid built or remodeled every home they lived in.  Ishpeming was their hometown, but later they wintered in Florida; and also moved to a house on a lake in Republic (a fisherman's dream) that Sid designed and built.  Living there was good, with lots of visitors and fond memories, but not a favorite for Pat to be so far from town. They moved back to Ishpeming where Sid remodeled the last home they lived in.

Pat & Sid shared their love of music and often sang duets in church, at family gatherings and around the campfire.   Pat kept a meticulous home, teaching her daughters to care for their home and future spouse.  The two enjoyed travel with the girls to historic sites; to visit family; and camping. They also traveled to England to meet Sid's paternal family.

Pat was the first secretary to the Board of Directors for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Mqt County, and worked as an Executive Secretary for Ishpeming/Negaunee/NICE Community Schools. Her record keeping was impeccable, which was also seen in the way she managed any task she took on – whether it was her many journals or keeping her Class mailing list.

Becoming a grandmother was a change she wasn't too sure of, but she soon saw the joy grandchildren would bring to their lives.  Pat & Sid were a central part of the lives of their girls, and of their five grandchildren, and eventually fourteen great grandchildren.  Her grown grandchildren – Daniel, Steven, Jan, Katie and Emily – recall many fond memories of camping, card games, overnight visits, and the best brownies.

In retirement Pat enjoyed daily walks, church functions, being a Snow Bird, and learning to play the piano, which she kept from her family until she was confident enough to play for them.  She liked to get everyone's attention at family gatherings to read stories and jokes.  She enjoyed hosting dinners and get-togethers, baking and trying new recipes; caring for her husband, keeping her home clean and organized.  She loved her husband, the love of her life; God and her family.  Phil 4:11 & 13 she has circled in her Bible.  Despite her many medical challenges, she strived to live the best she could and even till her last day, was "in charge".

Pat is survived by three children: Nancy (Tom) Polkinghorne, Susan (John) Boback, and Judi (Jim Shattuck) Phare; five grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren: Daniel (Deborah) Sorensen & family; Steven (Elizabeth Shevokas) Polkinghorne & family; Jan (Jeremy) Levi & family; Katie (Michael) Lee & family; and Emily (John) Mattox & family; two sisters: Kathleen Eckermann, Mary Heinzman; one sister-in-law, Janet DeRoche; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pat was predeceased by Sidney Phare, husband; Myrtle and Peter DeRoche, parents; Nancy Trygstad, sister; and George DeRoche, brother.

To honor our mother, Pat, spend some time with your family – your parents or grandparents, children or grandchildren: play games, take a walk, sing or share your memories.  Eat brownies and celebrate your blessings.

Our family wishes to thank the staff at Mill Creek Memory Care; and the staff at MCMCF/Valente for the personal care she received while residing there for the past 14 months; and to the Lake Superior Hospice staff and nurses for the personal, loving care and support.

Memorials in memory of Pat, can be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, 414 E. Ridge St, Ishpeming MI  49849 where she was a lifelong member.

A Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday September 14 at 1:00 p.m.at Trinity Lutheran Church with visitation starting at 12 noon.  A Coffee & Dessert Social will follow in the fellowship hall, where memories and stories can be shared with all.

Pat's memorial service will be livestreamed, which can be found on Trinity Lutheran Church's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/trinityishpeming/ .

Pat's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.