Patricia Ann Erhardt

Patricia Ann Erhardt (née Kozlowski) passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025. She was born on August 16, 1938, in the upstairs bedroom of her grandparents’ home on Mitchell Street in Detroit, Michigan, to Stanley and Wanda (Buraczynski) Kozlowski.

She loved deeply, lived passionately, and dedicated her life to serving others. After graduating from St. Francis High School in Traverse City, she earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids in 1960. She began her career as a medical social worker in Traverse City and then later Detroit where she met her husband, Mike. In 1963, she moved to East Lansing to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work, beginning a legacy of love for Michigan State University that now spans three generations of proud Spartans whose blood runs green.

Her roots shaped her resilience. In 1946 her parents left Detroit for Acme, Michigan, where they transformed an abandoned army quonset hut into a diner, the Stony Hollow Hut. By the age of ten, Pat was washing dishes, waiting tables, and cooking. She never lost her gift for the kitchen - she was a wonderful cook. Moving to Acme also introduced her to her best friend, Anita (Miller) Ghastin. The two have been laughing and getting into mischief together since they met in the sixth grade.

Pat also had a gift for building community. In the early 1970s she helped establish the first food co-op in St. Johns, Michigan. By the 1980s, she co-founded the Good Samaritan program, a multi-denominational effort to support neighbors in crisis - helping families pay utility bills, put food on the table, or find safety from abuse.

In 1985, Pat and her family moved to East Lansing, where she returned to professional social work. She served as a hospice social worker, worked with refugee services at Catholic Social Services, and later found her most meaningful role as a school social worker at Otto Middle School in Lansing. Her years there profoundly shaped her and left a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and families. She was also instrumental in founding the Economic Crisis Center in East Lansing, today known as Haven House, which continues to provide vital support for families in need.

Her Catholic faith grounded her, guiding her to live the Gospels daily. She was quick to help a friend, give away what she had, and care for others. If you knew Pat, you knew she was a straight-talking woman who spoke without a filter - you always knew where you stood with her. She found joy in her garden, in pinochle games, and in listening to Helen Reddy, Neil Diamond and Rod Stewart. She adored animals, especially the birds that visited her backyard and her beloved dogs Lucy, Daisy, and Bella. Her grandchildren will always remember the motto of her home: “whatever happens at Grandma’s house stays at Grandma’s house.” She delighted in spoiling them with late-night movies and pie after midnight.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband of thirty-seven years, Mike. Together, they built a life full of laughter, love, and service to others. She is survived by her three children—Michelle (Seth Merritt), Susan (Eric Haemelinck), and John (Chantal)—and three grandchildren: Maureen, Henry, and Mikey. She also leaves behind her sister, Karen Howie, and brother, Stan (Susie) Kozlowski, along with numerous nieces and nephews, many cousins, extended family, dear friends, and wonderful neighbors on Harkson Drive.

In the two decades since Mike’s passing, Pat leaned especially on her son John. She could not have asked to be blessed with a better son. His constancy and devotion to her was truly a gift. She was grateful as well for the warmth and kindness of his wife, Chantal, whose presence enriched her life in countless ways.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dee Macklem who was a remarkable friend and pillar of support to Pat as her health began to fail.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Monday, October 20, 2025 at St. Martha Parish in Okemos with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-9:00 pm with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 pm at Gorsline Runciman East Lansing Chapel.

Donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the Cristo Rey Community Center, Haven House, or the Greater Lansing Humane Society.