Patricia Marie Monroe

Patricia "Pat" Marie Monroe was born August 7, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan to Robert and Mary Thompson. She passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026, at Special Tree Rehabilitation in Romulus, surrounded by loved ones.

Pat grew up in Livonia, and later Argentine, MI, the oldest of three sisters. She would later move to Lansing, MI, where she worked as an administrative assistant in the Senate. While living and working in Lansing, Pat joined the Gaelic League, where she and her former husband, James Monroe, met. Together they had two daughters, Shannon and Caitlin.

Pat loved to exercise. She made routines and taught classes incorporating dance with traditional cardio. She enjoyed gardening and sewing as well. She was a talented seamstress who took pride in making costumes for the Fenton Village Players, as well as Halloween costumes for her daughters. Her talent went beyond costuming, as her stuffed animals and dolls were featured in numerous craft shows.

Her biggest passion was being a mother to Shannon and Caitlin. She volunteered for every field trip and jumped at the chance to help at their schools. She instilled a love of reading and art into both daughters, which is being passed down to her two grandchildren.

Her life was not always a series of highs. She suffered a traumatic brain injury after being involved in a car accident in 1999. She went from an energetic, vibrant woman, to having to relearn to walk and talk. In typical Pat fashion, she remained steadfast in her recovery, eventually being able to live semi independently in her rehabilitation facility.

Pat left this world surrounded with love. Her daughters held her hands, as the spectacular staff from Special Tree surrounded her, sharing stories, inside jokes, and hilarious voicemails. She left each and every person forever changed for the better. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to those at Special Tree. She was more than just a patient to them; she was family.

Pat is survived by her two daughters Shannon (Timothy) Monroe and Caitlin (Joel) Goike; her beloved grandchildren, Jameson Murphy and Astrid Goike; sister, Laura Glasgow; niece Shaina (Matt) Cullens; and Shaina's children Anna, Christopher, and Levi.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Robert Thompson, as well as her younger sister, Kathleen MacMurray.

Pat was the antithesis of "quiet confidence". Her confidence was loud and bold. When she walked into a room, she enveloped you in her warmth, her laughter, and ability to start a conversation out of thin air. She was a woman of many words and made sure to be heard. That warmth, laughter, and voice will forever be missed by everyone lucky enough to have known her.

We love you, Mom. It was an honor to be your daughter.