Patricia R. Balaze

Balaze, Patricia Rose- of Osprey FL, age 81, passed away Monday, April 24, 2023 at Tidewell Hospice, Village on the Isle, Venice FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Friday, May 12, 2023 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 425 S. Tamiami, Osprey, FL 34229. Reverend Fr. Anthony Armstrong, O. Carm., Celebrant.

The family will receive visitors at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Wiegand Chapel, 7454 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34231. A memorial mass will be celebrated in mid June at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 913 Napoleon Rd. Michigan Center, MI 49254. Patricia’s ashes will be laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Waterloo, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice, Venice FL or Special Olympics of Michigan Area 13.

Pat was born in Detroit, MI on August 2, 1941 to Thomas and Catherine (Hochschiedt) Kramer. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1959 and married Ronald E. Balaze on April 21, 1960. She obtained a Cosmetology license while raising her young children then went on to become a nurse aide. She earned her LPN and RN from Jackson Community College then her BSN from Ferris State University. Pat considered nursing her vocation and encouraged several women in her family to pursue nursing as a career. She fostered and emulated financial independence as well as a lifelong quest for knowledge to her nursing students and family. Pat held many roles in her nursing career including orthopedics, home health, burn unit, nursing instructor, and director of nursing. Her favorite one of all was that of Hospice Nurse. Pat was also an active member of her church, taught catechism (CCD), ran the Grade School CCD program, was a Eucharistic Minister, and volunteered for many causes. Her favorite pastime was reading books. She loved visiting family and friends and baking for holidays.

Pat is survived by her devoted husband, Ron; sons Robert (Sheri) Balaze, Gregory (Jeanette) Balaze, daughter Susan (Todd) Sanford; granddaughters Brooke (Adam) Scott, Abigail Hopkins, Kathleen (Kenton) Yeates, Merideth Sanford, Rory Sanford, Violet Sanford; grandson Stephen Balaze; 4 great grandchildren; brothers Thomas (Martha) Kramer, Lawrence (Antonia) Kramer, James (Susan) Kramer; and sister Diane (Thomas) Achatz, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family, & friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Catherine Kramer; brother Robert Kramer; and sister Catherine (Edward) Gillen.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wiegandbrothers.com for the Balaze family.