Patricia Ellen Heyden

Patricia “Pat” Heyden, age 75, was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, and passed away September 10, 2015. Pat was a local historian and author. She graduated from Lansing Everett High School, Class of 1957; and graduated from Lansing Community College as a Licensed Practical Nurse and was on the Dean’s List. Pat married her husband Jim in 1959, and they were blessed with four children. Jim worked for the Lansing Police Department for 33 years. Jim and Patricia enjoyed traveling and camping across the United States with their children. They also went on several tours and cruises in Europe. Pat researched and published “Behind the Badge, The History of the Lansing Police Department”; and “Love, Lives and Labor”; a vignette on the Metta and R. E. Olds families. Pat also served as editor and producer of a book of homilies by her dear friend Reverend Bishop James A. Murray. Pat always considered this honor as a renewal of faith. For over 20 years, Pat served as the historian of the Lansing Police Department, preserving memorabilia that is now a part of the Lansing Police Department and the Capitol Area District Library. For many years, Pat spent Friday afternoons at Lansing Women’s Club, a literary club and served as president from 2000–2001. She truly enjoyed this gracious group of intelligent women, the papers, teas and luncheons. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Jamie Ellen Heyden; and brother, Michael Stuart. Surviving to cherish her memory are husband of 56 years, Jim; daughter, Theresa (Larry) Laba; two sons, James M. and Timothy J. Heyden; granddaughters, Jacquelyn Laba, Christine Laba and Jessica Heyden; and great grandson, Walter Hill III; and several nieces, nephews and many cousins.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3815 South Cedar, Lansing. Reverend John Byers will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing. The family will receive visitors Friday, September 18, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Those desiring may make contributions to the American Diabetes Association, Memorial and Honor Program, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312, or the Leader Dogs for the Blind, PO Box 5000, 1039 South Rochester Road, Rochester, MI 48308-5000 in memory of Patricia.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.